Name: Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 40 oz vegetable broth; 2 cup split peas, dry, uncooked; 1/2 small onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup ham, diced, or add 1 ham hock

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Freshly simmered Split Pea Soup fills the kitchen with such a homey, earthy aroma that it can instantly transport you to cherished memories of colder days spent by the fireplace. The vibrant green of the peas and the rich colors of the diced vegetables create an inviting presentation in your pot. As you stir, you can’t help but notice the gentle thickening of the soup, a texture that feels nourishing and comforting. I can almost picture my grandmother stirring her famous split pea soup on a crisp fall afternoon, her laughter mixing with the steam rising from the pot, warming every corner of the room.

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With chilly evenings approaching, it’s the perfect time to gather family for a warm bowl of this classic dish. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a heartwarming weekend meal, this Split Pea Soup recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience waiting to unfold in your home. Excited to try this delightful recipe? Let’s bring that cozy feeling into your kitchen!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this hearty soup in under 30 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot!
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of smoky ham with earthy split peas creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant green against the backdrop of diced veggies makes for a delightful visual feast.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a warming snack on a chilly day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Customize your soup to be vegetarian or vegan by skipping the ham without compromising flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

40 oz vegetable broth: This flavorful base brings warmth and nutrients to every spoonful.
2 cups split peas, dry, uncooked: These tiny gems are high in protein and give the soup its delightful thickness. Consider green or yellow split peas based on your preference.
1/2 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth; you can use yellow or white onions for the best flavor.
2 medium carrots, sliced: These bring a natural sweetness and brilliant color, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your soup.
2 stalks celery, sliced: Contributes a crisp texture and balances the soup’s richness.
2 tbsp olive oil: This healthy fat helps sauté the vegetables, creating a flavor base; feel free to substitute with butter or coconut oil for different flavors.
1 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing flavors—adjust according to your taste; remember, it’s easier to add than take away!
1 tsp garlic powder: A fantastic way to infuse garlic flavor without the hassle of chopping.
1 cup ham, diced, or 1 ham hock: The addition of chopped ham gives a smoky, savory twist; skip or substitute with mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Sauté the Aromatics: Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Pour in the olive oil and add the diced onion along with the diced ham. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step allows the ham juices to meld with the oil, creating a deliciously fragrant base for your soup.

Combine the Ingredients: Next, add the dry split peas, sliced carrots, sliced celery, vegetable broth, and garlic powder to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the salt dissolves evenly, lending flavor to all the ingredients. If you are using a ham hock, nestle it right in the center to infuse the soup with its smoky goodness.

Seal and Cook: Now it’s time for the magic! Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and close the steam valve. Set it to cook on manual high pressure for 17 minutes. As it cooks, all the flavors will meld together beautifully, and the smell will make your mouth water!

Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining steam. This method helps maintain the soup’s thick consistency while ensuring everything is cooked just right.

Stir and Enjoy: Open the lid to find a thick, steaming bowl of comfort. Give your soup a good stir—if it gets too thick, add a little more broth or water. If you like, top each serving with some cheese for a scrumptious twist, and savor the feelings of warmth and contentment with every spoonful.

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover Split Pea Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes wonderfully! Just make sure to portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for about 10 minutes, adding extra broth or water to refresh the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the split peas; keep an eye on them during pressure cooking to help maintain a pleasant texture.
If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the finished soup with an immersion blender for a creamy feel without the addition of dairy.
Don’t forget to taste before serving! If desired, adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper to suit your taste.
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté stage.
Make it ahead of time! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

When you bring this Split Pea Soup to the table, gather your loved ones and let the warmth of both the soup and your company create heartfelt moments. Cooking is as much about connection as it is about flavor; enjoy each spoonful of this dish that carries the essence of comfort and care.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ham or ham hock and use vegetable broth instead. You can also enhance the soup’s richness by adding more vegetables or a splash of liquid smoke for that extra depth.

How do I know when the split peas are done?

After cooking, the split peas should be tender but slightly firm. If they’re too mushy, try reducing the cooking time on your next attempt. However, a little variation is normal as the moisture and cooking time can change the texture slightly.

What can I serve with split pea soup?

Serve your split pea soup with crusty bread for a classic combo! A light salad with lemon dressing also pairs perfectly, balancing the hearty flavors with a refreshing crunch.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you love a little heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño during the sauté stage or a dash of hot sauce when serving. Both options will give your soup a delightful kick that elevates the entire dish!

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Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips