Let’s talk about comfort in a bowl-split pea soup. There’s something undeniably cozy and satisfying about this hearty dish, especially when it’s infused with the smoky, savory flavor of ham. The beauty of split pea soup is that it’s not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse: protein-packed peas, fiber-rich goodness, and vegetables that bring a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Now, if you’ve ever simmered split pea soup on the stove for hours, you know it can be a test of patience. That’s where the Instant Pot swoops in like a kitchen superhero. With pressure cooking magic, you can have creamy, melt-in-your-mouth split pea soup in under an hour-while still maintaining all that rich, hearty flavor.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, or just craving a bowl of nostalgia, this recipe is a total winner. Let’s dive in!
Split Pea Soup With Ham Instant Pot Recipe
This recipe combines tender split peas, smoky ham, and a bouquet of vegetables into a soup that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Cooking it in the Instant Pot doesn’t just save time; it intensifies the flavors, creating a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
- Cook time: About 50 minutes (10 min prep, 40 min cooking)
- Servings: 6-8 generous bowls
- Texture: Thick, creamy, and comforting
- Flavor profile: Smoky, savory, subtly sweet from carrots and onions, with earthy undertones from the peas
Ingredients Needed
Before we get started, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. You want to grab fresh, quality ingredients because each one contributes to the depth and balance of your soup.
- Split peas – 1 ½ cups, rinsed and sorted (brown or green work fine, green tends to stay a little firmer)
- Ham – 2 cups, diced (leftover ham or ham steak both work beautifully)
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots – 2 medium, diced
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Bay leaves – 1-2, for subtle aromatic flavor
- Thyme – 1 teaspoon dried, or 1 tablespoon fresh
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 6 cups (use low-sodium for better control over saltiness)
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Olive oil or butter – 1 tablespoon (optional, for sautéing veggies)
Optional garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Croutons or a sprinkle of smoked paprika
Cooking Instructions
Here’s the fun part-watching the ingredients come together effortlessly in your Instant Pot. I’ll walk you through it step by step:
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Prep Your Instant Pot
- Press the sauté button and add olive oil or butter. Let it warm up for a minute.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add The Peas, Ham, And Seasonings
- Stir in split peas, diced ham, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything evenly.
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Add The Broth
- Pour in 6 cups of broth. Give it a gentle stir, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom.
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Pressure Cook
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing.
- Select ’Manual’ or ’Pressure Cook’ for 15 minutes.
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Natural Release
- Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure afterward.
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Final Touches
- Open the lid and stir the soup. Remove bay leaves.
- If you want a creamier texture, use an immersion blender for a few pulses-just don’t overdo it; you still want some texture.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley, chives, or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding your ingredients can elevate your soup from good to unforgettable:
- Split peas: High in protein and fiber, they naturally thicken the soup as they cook. Green peas hold their shape a bit more; yellow peas tend to break down smoother.
- Ham: Brings smoky richness and a savory punch. Leftover ham is perfect, but even a store-bought ham steak works.
- Vegetables: Carrots and celery add subtle sweetness and earthiness. Onions are key for depth.
- Herbs & aromatics: Bay leaves, thyme, and garlic enhance flavor without overpowering the soup.
Expert Tips
- Avoid burning: Make sure to deglaze the pot after sautéing vegetables by adding a splash of broth or water and scraping up any browned bits.
- Pea texture: For a smoother soup, blend partially after cooking. For chunkier soup, leave as is.
- Salt carefully: Ham is naturally salty, so season lightly at first and adjust at the end.
- Make it ahead: Split pea soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that savory depth.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk just before serving.
- Extra veggies: Toss in diced potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
Final Words
Instant Pot split pea soup with ham is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s versatile, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of smoky ham, tender peas, and perfectly cooked vegetables hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover ham, turning it into something extraordinary.
FAQs
Can I Make Split Pea Soup With Ham In An Instant Pot Without Soaking The Peas?
Yes, split peas do not require pre-soaking. Instant Pot cooking allows dried split peas to cook fully without soaking, typically in 15-20 minutes at high pressure.
What Type Of Ham Works Best For Instant Pot Split Pea Soup?
Smoked ham hocks, ham bone, or leftover cooked ham chunks work best. They add rich flavor and provide a natural smoky taste to the soup.
How Much Water Or Broth Should I Use For This Recipe?
Generally, use 4 to 6 cups of liquid per 1 cup of dried split peas. Chicken or vegetable broth adds more depth, while water keeps it lighter but may require additional seasoning.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Split Pea Soup With Ham In An Instant Pot?
The cooking time is typically 15-20 minutes at high pressure. However, including the time it takes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure and natural pressure release, total time is around 45-50 minutes.
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Ham Instead Of A Ham Bone?
Yes, leftover ham chunks can be added. Since they are already cooked, they should be added later in the cooking process or immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking.
How Can I Make The Soup Creamy Without Adding Cream?
You can puree a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a countertop blender. This naturally thickens the soup while keeping it low-fat and flavorful.
Is It Possible To Make This Recipe Vegetarian Or Vegan?
Yes, by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth, you can create a vegetarian version. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke can replicate the smoky flavor of ham.
Can I Freeze Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham?
Yes, it freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
How Do I Prevent The Soup From Sticking To The Bottom Of The Instant Pot?
Always deglaze the bottom of the pot after sautéing vegetables or browning ham to prevent the ’burn’ warning. Using enough liquid and stirring before sealing the lid also helps.
Can I Adjust The Consistency Of The Soup After Cooking?
Yes, for a thicker soup, simmer uncovered after pressure cooking to reduce liquid. For a thinner soup, simply add additional broth or water and stir until reaching the desired consistency.