Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed meal featuring tender split peas, fresh veggies, and a smoky hint from ham. It’s the perfect choice for cozy nights, budget-friendly meal prep, or even a Whole30 reset, giving warmth and nourishment in every bowl!
Growing up, split pea soup was a New Jersey diner favorite. When I first tried it, I honestly thought I was going to be eating a bland mushy flavorless mess but in reality, there are some great flavor profiles in split pea soup as well as some smoky tones coming from the addition of ham (or bacon). In fact, this is a perfect way to use up leftover ham during Easter and Christmas because we all know there ALWAYS seems to be leftover ham.
This split pea soup can also be enjoyed on a Whole30 reset. For a long time, peas were not an approved food, but after the addition of the Whole30 Plant Based Program, its able to be enjoyed!
❔Why Make Split Pea Soup in the Instant Pot?
Making split pea soup in the Instant Pot offers several advantages that make this comforting dish even easier and more flavorful:
- Time-Saving: Cooks in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop or slow cooker methods. Just 20 minutes under pressure brings everything together quickly.
- Enhanced Flavor: Pressure cooking intensifies the flavors of split peas, ham, and vegetables, creating a rich, well-blended taste in less time.
- Smooth & Creamy Consistency: Achieves a thick, creamy texture without the need for stirring or constant monitoring, ensuring consistent results every time.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights & Meal Prep: Toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot handle the rest—ideal for quick dinners or making a batch to enjoy throughout the week.
🥕Ingredients for Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
- Split Peas: The star of the soup, split peas create a thick, hearty base as they soften and break down during cooking. They’re packed with fiber and protein, making this soup both filling and nutritious.
- Ham (Optional): Adds a smoky, savory depth to the soup. For those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, you can skip the ham and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to recreate that smoky flavor without meat.
- Carrots and Celery: These classic soup vegetables add subtle sweetness and texture, balancing the earthy flavor of split peas. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, boosting the soup’s nutritional value.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential for building flavor, onions and garlic are sautéed first to release their natural aromas, adding a savory backbone to the soup.
- Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth both work well as a base. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth to keep the soup plant-based while still providing a robust, savory flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
- For Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit ham and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to keep the smoky flavor.
- Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian or vegan soup.
🍲 How to Make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Sauté Mode: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a bit of oil. Once heated, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. This helps build a flavorful base for the soup by enhancing the aroma of the onion and garlic.
2️⃣ Add Ingredients: Layer in the split peas, diced carrots, celery, ham (if using), and seasonings. Pour in the broth last, ensuring everything is distributed evenly without stirring. This layering helps prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom and triggering a “Burn” warning.
3️⃣ Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook mode on high for 15-20 minutes. This short cooking time achieves the rich, slow-cooked flavors that make split pea soup so satisfying.
4️⃣ Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally. This prevents splattering and allows the soup to finish thickening, resulting in a smooth, creamy consistency.
5️⃣ Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend some or all of the soup. Be cautious to avoid splatters, and remember blending is optional; the soup is thick and delicious even without blending.
👩🏻🍳Expert Tips for Perfect Split Pea Soup
- Consistency Control: For a chunkier soup, blend just a portion, or skip blending altogether for more texture.
- Avoiding the “Burn” Warning: After sautéing, make sure to scrape any bits off the bottom before adding other ingredients.
- Prevent Over-Thickening: If the soup thickens too much, add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Enhancing Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, especially if you’re making a vegetarian version without ham. This spice adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall taste, bringing a rich and savory layer to the soup.
❓Instant Pot vs. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: Which Method is Best?
Both the Instant Pot and the slow cooker are excellent tools for making split pea soup, but each method offers unique advantages. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is right for you:
| Method | Instant Pot | Slow Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Time | Fast and efficient—cooks in just 15-20 minutes under pressure, plus a natural release. Ideal when you need a quick, hearty meal. | Takes several hours (6-8 hours on low), making it perfect for setting and forgetting while you go about your day. |
| Flavor | Pressure cooking enhances flavors quickly, creating a rich and well-blended taste in less time. | Slow cooking allows flavors to develop gradually, leading to a deep, mellow flavor that’s perfect for a cozy, all-day simmer. |
| Consistency | Produces a creamy, smooth texture without the need for constant stirring, thanks to the pressure cooking process. | Soup thickens slowly, which can create a chunkier, heartier texture. Stirring occasionally can help maintain a smooth consistency if desired. |
| Convenience | Great for last-minute meals—just add ingredients, set, and enjoy a quick, flavorful soup with minimal wait. | Best for planning ahead—add ingredients in the morning and come home to a warm, ready-to-eat soup that’s been cooking all day. |
🥖How to Serve and Pair Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
- Serve with Crunchy Sides Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread or a handful of crackers for a satisfying crunch. Homemade croutons are another great option, adding texture and a toasty flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor Add a finishing touch with garnishes that enhance both flavor and presentation. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives bring a burst of color and a hint of freshness. For added richness, drizzle a swirl of cream or a dollop of sour cream on top. For a smoky crunch, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over each bowl.
- Pair with Complementary Sides To round out the meal, consider serving the soup with a light side, like a simple shaved brussels sprout salad salad or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The crispness of the salad or the gooey texture of grilled cheese perfectly balances the heartiness of split pea soup.
♻ Storing & Freezing
Storing: Split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container or sealed jar for up to 1 week in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave.
Freezing: To freeze any leftover split pea soup, pour cooled soup into an airtight container or freezer safe bag with as much air removed as possible. Freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.
👩🏻🍳FAQ
Yes! Yellow split peas are slightly more mild in taste and make a great alternative to using green split peas.
You can use any ham you enjoy to flavor the soup. Make sure the ham is in chunks instead of thin slices of deli meat.
If you don’t want to use ham in your soup, try using thick cut bacon, smoked pork shank, smoked turkey, or any smoked sausage. For vegetarian version, use a few drops of liquid smoke to get a smoky flavor.
In January 2021, Whole30 HQ announced that peas are now on the approved list. Sugar snap peas, snow peas, green peas, yellow peas, and split peas can now be consumed on a Whole30 reset and are considered compliant.
More Soup Recipes
- Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Soup
- Keto Hamburger Soup
- Italian Wedding Soup
- Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Ladle
- Optional: Immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried Split Peas
- 1 lb Cooked Ham diced
- 1 cup Onion diced
- 1 cup Carrot diced
- 1 cup Celery diced
- 2 tsp Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves minced
- 2 Dried Bay Leaves
- 6 cups Chicken Turkey or Vegetable Broth
- 2 tsp Avocado Oil
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Mode: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a bit of oil. Once heated, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. This helps build a flavorful base for the soup by enhancing the aroma of the onion and garlic.
- Add Ingredients: Layer in the split peas, diced carrots, celery, ham (if using), and seasonings. Pour in the broth last, ensuring everything is distributed evenly without stirring. This layering helps prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom and triggering a “Burn” warning.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook mode on high for 15-20 minutes. This short cooking time achieves the rich, slow-cooked flavors that make split pea soup so satisfying.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally. This prevents splattering and allows the soup to finish thickening, resulting in a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend some or all of the soup. Be cautious to avoid splatters, and remember blending is optional; the soup is thick and delicious even without blending.
Split pea soup perfection!