Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a nourishing meal. This classic soup is made simple and quick with the use of an Instant Pot, reducing the cooking time significantly while still delivering the deep, slow-cooked flavors of traditional split pea soup. The pressure cooking method allows the flavors of the smoky ham, tender split peas, and aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to meld beautifully. This one-pot meal is not only filling but also packed with fiber and protein, making it a healthy choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting. Add the olive oil, and once hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- To the pot, add the rinsed split peas, ham bone or diced ham, bay leaf, dried thyme, and broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pressure Cook:
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the time for 15 minutes at high pressure.
- Natural Release:
- After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam.
- Finish the Soup:
- Remove the lid once all the steam has escaped. If you used a ham bone, take it out, remove any ham from the bone, chop it, and stir it back into the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf. Stir the soup well. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a fantastic meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. With the Instant Pot doing most of the work, this nutritious soup can be ready in no time, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxing weekend meal. The leftovers also freeze well, making it a great option for meal prepping.
