Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a comforting classic made much faster with the pressure cooker. Tender green split peas simmer with smoky ham, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and herbs to create a thick, hearty soup full of savory flavor.
Unlike traditional split pea soup that can take a long time on the stovetop, the Instant Pot develops deep flavor in a fraction of the time. It's an easy one-pot meal that's perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, and using leftover ham.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked ham, diced
- 1 ham bone or ham hock, optional
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the Split Peas
Rinse the dried split peas under cool running water and remove any small stones, damaged peas, or debris. Drain well. Split peas do not require soaking before cooking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the Ham and Split Peas
Add the diced smoked ham and rinsed split peas to the pot. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using a ham bone or ham hock, place it into the pot.
5. Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
6. Remove the Ham Bone
Carefully remove the ham bone or ham hock and bay leaf. If using a ham hock, remove the meat from the bone, shred or chop it, and return the meat to the soup.
7. Adjust the Texture
Stir the soup thoroughly. The split peas should be tender and naturally create a thick, creamy texture. If the soup is thicker than desired, stir in additional warm broth or water. If it is too thin, use Sauté mode to simmer uncovered for several minutes.
8. Taste and Finish
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember that ham can be quite salty, so add additional salt only after tasting.
9. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
Expert Tips
Always rinse and inspect dried split peas before cooking. A ham bone or ham hock adds extra smoky flavor and richness, but diced smoked ham alone also works well. Be careful with added salt because ham and broth can already contain significant sodium. The soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so add a little broth when reheating leftovers if necessary.
Storage
Store cooled split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup thickens considerably when chilled, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with crusty French bread, sourdough, garlic bread, cornbread, crackers, or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper makes a simple finishing touch.
Recipe Variations
Use leftover holiday ham instead of smoked ham, add diced potatoes for an even heartier soup, or stir in chopped kale or spinach near the end of cooking. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth, then add smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor. You can also add cooked bacon for extra richness.
Nutrition Benefits
Split peas are naturally rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, making this soup filling and satisfying. Combined with vegetables and lean ham, it makes a hearty meal that can help keep you full for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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