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Scottish Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup - vegan recipe

Scottish Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a traditional Scots recipe. It's tasty, comforting, and a healthy option.

vegan slow cooker split pea soup


Scottish Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup 

- vegan recipe


This is a simple vegan split pea soup made in a slow cooker.

You could definitely make it in a pot if you don't have a slow cooker, but you would need a third more stock and it would take just over half an hour to cook.

However, autumn is here and it's definitely soup and indeed slow cooker weather.


Scottish Soup


Split pea soup is a hearty soup popular in Scotland.

We've always loved soup in Scotland. 

Originally it was made to stretch out what was left when there wasn't much food left in the larder or meals were made from what was grown in the garden or could be foraged.

Indeed through the years it's been made in many a home as a cheap and frugal meal.

Winters in Scotland can be pretty long and cold, so we often add pulses to our traditional soups to bulk them out and make a heartier meal.

Spit peas and lentils are the most used pulses in Scottish recipes, especially red lentils.

If you want to try some more Scottish soups, try my traditional Scottish Tattie SoupScottish Lentil Soup or my Vegan Scotch Broth with Barley and Kale.


yellow split peas

What are yellow split peas?


Yellow split peas are also known as field peas, dry peas, soup peas or matar dal.

They are split in half and dried, which results in a pea that does not need to be soaked and cooks quicker.

Split peas are high in protein and fibre.


Yellow or green split peas?


There are two types of split pea, yellow and green.

The yellow split peas have an earthy flavour and the green split peas have a sweeter flavour.

They both have similar nutrients, but the yellow split peas are starchier so they give a creamier finish.

You may use either yellow or green split peas for this easy soup.


Yellow split pea soup served with oatcakes

Do you need to soak split peas before cooking?


There is no need to pre-soak split peas before cooking, but if you do it will reduce the cooking time a little.

As these peas are split they cook quicker.

However, do give them a good rinse before adding them to remove any grit.

They do take about 35 minutes to cook.


Can I use a different pulse to make split pea soup?


You can easily make a tweak and use different pulses to make this style of soup.

You want a pulse the will go soft on cooking for a creamy soup.

You could use yellow or green split peas or even red lentils.

Green and brown lentils wouldn't work as they hold their shape, so you would not end up with a creamy thick soup.

If you used a firm lentil like green or brown, the stock quantities would have to be changed too. Better to stick to split peas or red lentils.


slow cooker split pea soup in a bowl

Slow cooker soup


The perfect thing about slow cooker soup is you can dump the ingredients in your crockpot, switch it on and get on with your day.

You don't need to do pre-any cooking before you add the ingredients to the slow cooker either.

To speed things up, chop your veg in the evening and pop them in the fridge,  then weigh out your split peas and pop them in a tub.

In the morning you just throw it all in the slow cooker with spices, seasoning and stock, then you can leave it cooking while you head off to work or get on with your day at home.

Only 5 minutes and the prep is done.


  Cooking split pea soup in a pot


If you don't have a slow cooker, you could cook this soup in a pot.

You will need to add a third more stock, maybe a little more.

In a large pot, saute the onion and garlic until soft, then add the celery and carrots and cook for a few more minutes

Add the spices and mix in well, then add the split peas and stock and cook for 35 to 40 minutes until the lentils are soft.

Season, then blend until smooth.


Is split pea soup suitable for vegans?


This split pea soup is suitable for vegans, but many are not suitable.

Traditional split pea soup is cooked with ham.

So do be careful when ordering it in a cafe or restaurant and ask if it's vegan.

Of course, if you make it yourself, you know just what is in it.


Slow cooker split pea soup served with oatcakes

How to serve split pea soup


Here are some ideas of how to serve split pea soup

  1. With oatcakes (very Scottish)
  2. With a plain or cheese scone (also very Scottish)
  3. With crusty bread.
  4. With a cheese toastie
  5. With garlic bread


How long can you store split pea soup?


Once it is cool, you can store split pea soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days

To cool it quickly, spoon it into the airtight container and let it sit for a little while.

Don't put it in the fridge hot, or you will be making your fridge work harder and will put a strain on the cooling system.


What to do if the soup thickens overnight


It's very common for lentil and split pea soups to thicken as they cool.

There is an easy fix, just add some extra water ir even stock.

Don't add too much as it will thin a little as it heats up too, so it is easy to over thin the soup


Can you freeze split pea soup?


Soups made with split peas or lentils freeze really well.

Allow the soup to cool, then freeze portions in labelled freezer bags or tubs for 3-4 months.

To defrost, remove a portion from the freezer the night before you need it and allow it to defrost gently in the fridge overnight.

Of course, if you are in a rush you can use your microwave (if you have one) to defrost the soup, using the recommended settings.


Slow Cooker Carrot & Coriander Soup

More vegan slow cooker recipes to try


Here are a few of my favourite slow cooker recipes for you to try:



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An easy vegan slow cooker split pea soup is a traditional Scottish recipe. It's tasty, comforting, and a very healthy option.

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How to Make Scottish Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup


Scroll down for step-by-step photos followed by a full printable recipe. If you don't have a printer, hit print then save as a PDF.

slow cooker split pea soup - step 1

Step 1


  • Have your slow cooker at the ready and chop your veg.
  • Rinse your splt peas and add them to your slow cooker pan.
  • Add the celery, onion, garlic and carrots to the slow cooker.


slow cooker split pea soup - step 2

Step 2


  • Add spices and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add stock, stir, then set your slow cooker on to high for 5 hours or low for 7 hours.
  • Once it is ready, blend it smooth and taste to check the seasoning.
  • Enjoy!


slow cooker soup. split pea soup, vegan soup, vegan split pea soup, crockpot split pea soup, slow cooker split pea soup
dinner
Scottish, vegan
How to make slow cooker split pea souphttps://watch.wave.video/32b05861d13a7d11a74d7af1An easy vegan split pea soup made in the slow cooker.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ttoRSa-AjO6UtN39aOPU_4Gv3f6loiXkYqo6f-NLUZfNr0-_yLIm1n5JMUGVfuBF8_lTdeHwO5iJ3gdbViJ4bNmVAeDAeNuoQUxeTXdMgS_qV38ODkA19-xrDPPeVTOH5TeZ4aaeqao/s1200/Vegan+Slow+Cooker+Split+Pea+Soup.jpg2021/10/09
Yield: 6 - 8
Author: Jacqueline Meldrum
Scottish Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Scottish Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

An easy vegan slow cooker split pea soup. A traditional Scottish recipe. It's tasty, comforting, and a very healthy option.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 5 HourTotal time: 5 H & 10 M

Ingredients

  • 450g (2 cups) yellow (or green) split peas
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 stalks celery, finely sliced
  • 3 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 4 pints (2.2 litres or 8 cups) vegetable stock 

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas well then add then to the slow cooker pot.
  2. Add the onion, garlic and celery.
  3. Now add the carrots, spice and seasoning, then add the stock and stir well.
  4. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7 hours.
  5. Blend, check the seasoning and serve.
  6. Enjoy!

Notes:

Once it is cool, you can store split pea soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days


Soups made with split peas or lentils freeze really well.


Allow the soup to cool, then freeze portions in labelled freezer bags or tubs for 3-4 months.


To defrost, remove a portion from the freezer the night before you need it and allow it to defrost gently in the fridge overnight.


It's very common for lentil and split pea soups to thicken as they cool. There is an easy fix, just add some extra water or even stock.


Calories


6 portions = 111 calories per portion

7 portions = 95 calories per portion

8 portions = 83 calories per portion

Nutrition Facts

Calories

110.66

Fat (grams)

0.49

Sat. Fat (grams)

0.07

Carbs (grams)

20.66

Fiber (grams)

7.62

Net carbs

13.04

Sugar (grams)

4.00

Protein (grams)

6.95

Sodium (milligrams)

419.80

Cholesterol (grams)

0.00

40 comments

  1. Another fabby new recipe. Right now to get my crockpot out from under the stairs. Jill

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    Replies
    1. Definitely time to get your crockpot out. Enjoy the soup if you make it.

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  2. I spotted this last night when I was browsing. I had everything I needed so it is simmering away now. Smells blimming gorg.

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  3. I could go for a big bowl of this deliciousness any day! The flavors are amazing and I love that it's made in the slow cooker. A perfect recipe for my family.

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  4. Split pea soup is my fave and I love this healthy version!

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  5. I am so sad that I had to get rid of my slow cooker when I moved!! Though now I am thinking of buying one specifically to make this soup. This looks amazing!!

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    Replies
    1. You can make it in a pot on the hob too. Scroll back up and you will see I added instructions.

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  6. This split pea soup looks so creamy and delicious. I can't wait to try this version. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Perfect Bowl for a light and healthy Dinner.

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  8. Cannot wait to try this. Thanks for the email today.

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  9. This slow cooker split pea soup sounds delicious. Perfect for a healthy supper with some crusty bread.

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  10. Soup looks delicious, and should be so flavorful with cumin.

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  11. It is the time of year to break out and dust off the slow cooker for sure! This split pea soup looks and sounds so great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's definitely time to start using slow cookers for hearty meals again.

      Delete
  12. This split pea soup recipe was so comforting and delicious! It made for the perfect one pot meal for our family today - and warmed us up from the inside out!

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  13. I just had to come over and tell you how good this is. Thanks so much.

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  14. This looks like the perfect comfort food to me! Totally making this soon. :)

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  15. I love pea soup and never tried the Scottish version before. I looks absolutely delicious and healthy.

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  16. I’ve only ever had split pea soup with ham. This is a perfect meat free option!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It still has that savoury flavour Matt but without the neat.

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  17. I miss my slow cooker so much! I am almost tempted to buy another one just to make this soup, this looks amazing!!

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    Replies
    1. They are rather handy to have if you have the space for one!

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  18. Love split pea soup and love how you've used the crock pot for your recipe! And am loving the cumin flavor too -- I've never used cumin in my split pea soup before and it's really good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes do try it. It gives that warmth and savoury flavour a traditional split pea soup would rely on the ham for.

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  19. Just ate a huge bowl of this soup, it was delicious. My daughter loved it too. Thank you for the recipe :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for letting me know.

      Delete
  20. I have to say, i subscribe and get so excited when a new recipe arrives. Enjoy your blog. I’m in Glasgow so comforting to know I can find the same things you use in your recipes too. So many good recipes. This…this is the one i’ve loved most. So easy, so little effort for such big taste. Reminds me of a soup my mum would make when i came home from primary school for lunch. Big nostalgic hug in a bowl. On my third batch of this.

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  21. I am so glad you are enjoying my recipes, *waves from Dundee* and yes this one is super easy. I'm a big fan of easy as I'm sure you'll know by now. Thanks for the message, you have made my day.

    ReplyDelete

I love reading comments, so thank you for taking the time to leave one. Unfortunately, I'm bombarded with spam, so I've turned on comment moderation. I'll publish your comments as soon as I can and respond to them. Don't panic, they will disappear when you hit publish. Jac x