Savory Mediterranean Split Pea Soup
This hearty Mediterranean Split Pea Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal: it’s warm, filling, and absolutely packed with bold herbal flavor. While many traditional split pea soups lean heavy on ham or bacon, this version uses olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and caramelized aromatics to deliver deep, comforting richness—all while staying completely plant-based. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, this soup delivers.
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of split pea soups over the years, but this Mediterranean-style version is my go-to for several reasons. First, it’s vegan without compromising on depth—sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and a hit of Dijon bring layers of flavor. Second, it only gets better overnight, making it ideal for meal prep. Lastly, it pairs beautifully with rustic bread or a crisp salad, and you can easily freeze leftovers for another chilly day.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry green split peas, rinsed
- 4 cups water, for initial boil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt, more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
🥄 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed for the richest flavor, but dry-packed works if rehydrated.
- Rosemary: Fresh is best, but substitute 1 tsp dried if needed.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and complexity; don’t skip it!
- Want extra veggies? Add zucchini or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes if you like heat.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soften the Split Peas
Bring the rinsed split peas and 4 cups of water to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 10 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Build the Flavor
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cooked split peas. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish and Brighten
Once the peas are tender and the broth is slightly thickened, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
✅ Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the peas in step 1—they’ll finish cooking in the final simmer.
- Stir occasionally during the final simmer to prevent sticking.
- For a smoother soup, blend a portion with an immersion blender before adding parsley and lemon.
- Let it rest before serving—flavors deepen after 15 minutes off heat.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with warm crusty bread or pita wedges.
- A drizzle of olive oil or coconut yogurt adds a luscious finish.
- Pair it with this A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Try with Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a filling dinner duo.
- Or sip alongside This Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing, summery balance.
🧊 Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water as needed.
🥄 More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – Cozy and bold.
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins – A perfect sweet treat on the side.
- A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Blueberry Lemonade
✨ Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Split Pea Soup is a flavor-packed, nourishing dish that proves you don’t need meat—or even dairy—to create a rich and satisfying bowl. It’s a healthy go-to for cozy nights and meal prep alike. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you liked it! Leave a comment, share your tweaks, and don’t forget to follow for more delicious inspiration.
Let the comfort begin! 🥣🌿
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