Instant Pot Split Pea Soup: A Hearty and Nutritious Classic

Ingredients

1 lb dried green split peas
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ham bone or 2 ham hocks
6 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps and instructions

Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the split peas, ham bone or hocks, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Remove the bay leaves and ham bone or hocks. If using ham hocks, remove the meat from the bones, shred it, and return it to the soup.
Stir the soup well and serve hot.

Tools for making

Instant Pot - This electric pressure cooker will be used to cook the split pea soup quickly and efficiently.
Cutting board and knife - Needed to chop and dice the vegetables for the soup.
Wooden spoon - For stirring the soup as it cooks in the Instant Pot.
Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure out the ingredients for the recipe.
Tongs - Useful for removing the ham bone or hocks from the soup after cooking.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham bone or hocks and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky undertone.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Extra Veggies: Throw in some diced potatoes or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Creamy Finish: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy consistency.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a warm, hearty meal with this delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup. This recipe is perfect for cold winter days or anytime you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal. Made with wholesome ingredients like dried green split peas, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful ham bone or ham hocks, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. Cooking with the Instant Pot makes this recipe a breeze, infusing the soup with rich, deep flavors in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. Expect a thick, creamy soup with the perfect balance of savory ham and earthy split peas, along with a hint of thyme. It's a one-pot meal that your whole family will love.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham? Yes, you can substitute ham with smoked turkey or bacon for a different flavor.
Can I use a different type of broth? Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking? No, you do not need to soak the split peas before cooking in the Instant Pot.
How can I make the soup thicker? You can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup or remove some of the soup, blend it, and then add it back to the pot for a thicker consistency.

Serving dishes and utensils

Immersion blender - Useful for blending the soup to your desired consistency directly in the Instant Pot.
Soup ladle - For serving the hot split pea soup into bowls.
Soup bowls - To serve the delicious split pea soup.
Crusty bread - Perfect for dipping into the soup and enjoying alongside.
Garnish options - Consider toppings like croutons, chopped fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Origin stories

Split pea soup has a long and storied history. In fact, it's one of the oldest dishes in recorded history. The Greeks and Romans were known to have sold hot pea soup in the streets of their bustling cities. But the real claim to fame for split pea soup came much later during the second world war. The soup was integral to the diet of soldiers in the war, so much so that it earned the nickname "Warfare Pea Soup." The soldiers appreciated it for its high protein content and the ease with which it could be prepared. To this day, it remains a beloved dish for its hearty and comforting qualities.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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