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
Scale
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.
