If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, look no further than this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe. It’s a comforting classic made modern with the magic of the Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just want to dig into something warm and nourishing without fuss. With tender split peas, smoky ham, and a blend of spices that dance beautifully in every spoonful, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your soup rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet vital to creating the rich flavor and perfect texture of this soup. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the sweetness of carrots, the earthiness of split peas, or the smoky depth from ham and paprika.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté your veggies to tender perfection.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Provides richness and a silky, comforting mouthfeel.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
- 2 medium carrots (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and a bright pop of color.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped): Offers a refreshing, slightly bitter crunch that balances the flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with savory warmth and aromatic richness.
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that melds everything together.
- 1 pound green split peas: The hearty star ingredient that thickens the soup and provides protein and fiber.
- 1 pound smoked ham (chopped) (optional): Delivers smoky, meaty goodness that elevates the soup to next-level comfort food.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky spice that complements the ham perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin: Lends a hint of earthiness and warmth to round out the flavor profile.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by adding olive oil, butter, chopped onion, carrots, and celery to your Instant Pot. Hit the sauté button and let these ingredients cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial because it softens the veggies and builds a flavorful foundation that your soup will be based on.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth
Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting its aroma bloom for a moment before you add the broth, split peas, chopped smoked ham (if using), smoked paprika, and ground cumin. This blend ensures every spoonful is bursting with layers of flavor and a smoky depth that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Soup
Give your soup a good stir to combine everything evenly. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “sealing” position. Cook the soup on high pressure for 15 minutes. Keep in mind it will take about 15 minutes for your cooker to reach pressure before the actual cooking starts, so you’re investing minimal time for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. This slow release helps the flavors to continue melding, and the soup thickens into that perfect creamy texture. If you’re pressed for time, a quick release works too, but letting it naturally release is worth the wait.
Step 5: Season to Taste
The final step is to taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. This simple seasoning adjustment brings all the ingredients into perfect harmony and personalizes your bowl of gold.
How to Serve Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add extra layers of flavor, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of olive oil can add fantastic texture and richness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is also delicious and adds a creamy tang that contrasts beautifully with the smoky soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or a warm slice of sourdough bread for dipping. Garlic bread or a fresh green salad can add freshness, making the meal balanced and satisfying. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted root vegetables or a delicate cheese plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for a cozy, inviting look. You can also play with layering by adding sautéed greens or a swirl of pesto on top. If you’re feeding a crowd, setting up a toppings bar with various garnishes allows everyone to customize their bowls, making the meal interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other aromas. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this hearty soup later, it freezes very well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. For best quality, use within 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your split pea soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also warm it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If the soup is too thick after chilling, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe without ham?
Absolutely! The ham adds a smoky, savory element, but you can skip it for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to use vegetable broth and perhaps add a bit more smoked paprika for depth.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is necessary with the Instant Pot. It cooks the split peas quickly and thoroughly, saving you the extra prep time.
What can I substitute for smoked paprika if I don’t have any?
If smoked paprika isn’t on hand, regular paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder works. Both will add mild warmth and color, though the smoky flavor will be slightly different.
How thick should the soup be? Can I adjust the consistency?
Split pea soup is traditionally thick and creamy. However, you can always thin it with broth or water when reheating if you prefer a lighter texture.
Can I use frozen peas instead of dried split peas?
Frozen peas have a different texture and won’t thicken the soup like split peas, so the outcome will be more like a vegetable soup. For classic thick and hearty split pea soup, stick with dried split peas.
Final Thoughts
I promise, once you try this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food whenever you crave something wholesome and satisfying. The combination of ease, heartiness, and flavor is unbeatable. So grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of warmth and goodness that feels like a hug in every bite.
Print
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus pressure build-up and release time)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This comforting Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with green split peas, aromatic vegetables, and smoky ham. Cooked quickly under high pressure, it offers a creamy texture and rich taste, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 pound green split peas
- 1 pound smoked ham, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the olive oil, butter, chopped onion, carrots, and celery to your Instant Pot. Select the sauté function and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables have softened and begun to caramelize.
- Add Garlic and Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic, then pour in the broth, split peas, chopped smoked ham (if using), smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix everything well to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Give the mixture a good stir. Close the lid of the Instant Pot securely and ensure the valve is set to ‘sealing’. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for 15 minutes. Note that it will take approximately 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Pressure Release: When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. After this, you may perform a quick release if any pressure remains, or let it release naturally.
- Season and Serve: Open the lid carefully, stir the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for a warming meal.
Notes
- You can omit the ham to make the soup vegetarian; adjust seasoning accordingly.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the broth quantity if you want thicker or thinner soup.
