Easy Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Barley

Name: Easy Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Barley
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for serving); 1 large onion (diced small); 2 carrots (peeled and diced small); 3 cloves of garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for serving); 1 ½ cups yellow split peas (picked over and rinsed); ½ cup pearl barley; 4 cups vegetable or low-sodium chicken broth; 4 cups water; Pinch of baking soda; 1 bay leaf; Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (more to taste); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Looking for a savory, smoky and satisfying version of vegetarian (vegan, even!) split pea soup? This one can compete with its meaty counterparts any day of the week.

Earthy yellow split peas team up with hearty pearl barley in this recipe for a soul warming, nourishing soup that is a meal in and of itself. And thanks to a few special ingredients, this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Barley delivers BIG flavor. And did I mention it can be on the table in less than an hour? Let's get to the details:

Two bowls of split pea soup next to a spoon and napkin.

Why This Recipe Works

This Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Barley deserves a spot in your soup rotation because:

Split peas and pearl barley cook at about the same rate and together create a delicious, hearty base with a lovely textural contrast in this nourishing soup;
It includes smoked paprika which gives the soup a smoky quality similar to what you might get with ham or bacon in a more traditional split pea soup; and
I've added a few secret ingredients which really contribute to a surprising depth of flavor for such a simple vegetarian soup.

The Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for Easy Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Barley.

Yellow Split Peas. Split peas, both green and yellow are a somewhat under appreciated member of the pulse family. Nutritionally dense, these little gems contain 16 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber per cup! They also are a good source of nutrients including calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, selenium and folate They DO NOT require soaking and cook in only 30-40 minutes. Their flavor is subtly earthy, and they have a comforting soft texture when cooked. Definitely a powerhouse ingredient that deserves a spot in your pantry!
Pearl Barley. It is important to use pearl barley in this recipe (also sometimes labeled medium barley). Hulled barley takes much longer to cook and will not soften in time, and a quick, par-cooked barley will turn to mush before the yellow split peas are finished cooking.
Onions, Carrots and Garlic. These versatile vegetables provide the aromatic profile of this delicious soup, and some lovely color from the carrots as well.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth. Obviously if you want this soup to be vegetarian/vegan, use vegetable broth. But if you are just an omnivore who loves vegetable-based soups (raising my own hand here), feel free to use chicken broth. It provides a deep, rich flavor to the soup.
Dried Bay Leaf, Thyme, Rosemary and Parsley. So many herbs! Each brings its unique fresh flavor to the finished soup.
Smoked Paprika. Smoked paprika (also known as pimenton) is made of chiles that are smoked over oak fires. Hence the appealing smoky flavor. It is NOT spicy like chili powder, however. Instead it is a little sweet and piquant more like traditional paprika.
Baking Soda. Seems like a strange ingredient here, doesn't it? While this might seem odd or out of place, the baking soda actually helps soften the split peas more thoroughly and quickly by changing the pH level of the cooking liquid. But no more than a pinch! Too much baking soda can lead to off flavors in the final product.
Soy Sauce. Another ingredient you weren't expecting! While one tablespoon isn't enough to make your soup taste like soy sauce, it is just the right amount to amp up the umami factor, adding a savory depth that can be hard to achieve in vegetarian cooking.
Lemon Juice. For brightness and that perfect little zing to heighten all the flavors in the soup.

How To Make This Recipe

Ready to get started? Making this Easy Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is a very straightforward process:

Heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the onion and carrot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and are beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, rosemary, thyme and smoked paprika and cook for one more minute.

Chopped onions, carrots, garlic, herbs and spices in a pot.

Carrots, onions and garlic cooking in a pot with a wooden spoon.

Add the split peas, baking soda, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, pearl barley, broth and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to a simmer. Cook until split peas and barley are pleasantly tender, about 35-40 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf. Add the soy sauce, lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve!

Expert Tips

The only way to know if the split peas and barley are done to your liking is to TASTE THE SOUP. Don't just go by the time ranges set forth in the recipe. I have purchased bags of split peas that cook in just 25-30 minutes, and others that have taken as long as 50! While these extremes certainly aren't the norm, it bears mentioning that the only way to know FOR SURE that your split peas are soft and tender and your barley is perfectly toothsome is to go ahead and give it a try. The same rule goes for adding/not adding salt, pepper or additional lemon juice, by the way. TASTE TASTE TASTE until it's just the way you like it.
Don't skip the baking soda. I know it seems strange, but it really does make a difference in the texture of soup and is well worth doing.
Sprinkle each serving with additional smoked paprika and drizzle with a little olive oil. The extra flavor and richness of these finishing ingredients really take this soup from good to great.

FAQs

What are yellow split peas?

Yellow split peas are field peas that are grown specifically for drying. They are hulled and then split in half to encourage a shorter cooking time. Yellow split peas contain 16 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber per cup. They also are a good source of nutrients including calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, selenium and folate. They DO NOT require soaking and cook in only 30-40 minutes. Their flavor is subtly earthy, and they have a comforting soft texture when cooked.

What is the history of yellow split peas in Nordic cuisine?

Dried pulses have been a staple of the Scandinavian region since at least the Bronze Age. In a cold and unforgiving climate, dried legumes provided an important source of nutrition during the long winter months. Historically speaking, dried whole yellow peas and split peas were very common, providing a base for legendary pea soups throughout the region.

Can I make this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Barley in advance?

Yes! Cool the soup for an hour at room temperature and then transfer to a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. It will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little additional water to loosen the soup when you reheat it.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. It freezes VERY well. Transfer the cooled soup to airtight, freezer safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to two months.

A close up of split pea soup with a spoon.

I hope you give this soul-warming soup a try. I know we can all use a little comfort food these days, and this Easy Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Barley is both satisfying AND nourishing in the best of ways. Looking for more cozy soups to get you through until spring? I've got you covered:

If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your cozy bowl of Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Barley and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.