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–+ servings
whole30 split pea soup
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5 from 5 votes

Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a quick, hearty meal loaded with tender split peas, smoky ham (optional for a vegetarian version), and wholesome veggies, all cooked to creamy perfection in just 20 minutes. Ideal for cozy dinners, meal prep, or a budget-friendly lunch, this easy soup offers rich flavors and a thick, satisfying texture. Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete, comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a classic bowl of comfort!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup, Whole30 Recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hearty instant pot split pea soup, instant pot split pea soup, pressure cooker split pea soup, quick split pea soup, split pea soup recipe, vegan split pea soup, whole30 split pea soup
Servings: 10 cups
Calories: 270kcal
Author: Valerie Skinner

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.

Notes

🍎Whole30 Split Pea Soup

To make this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Whole30 and plant-based compliant, simply skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to achieve that classic smoky flavor without any meat. This adjustment keeps the soup fully plant-based and Whole30-friendly, while still delivering a rich, satisfying taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 270kcal