Instant Pot split pea soup with ham tastes like comfort in a bowl, with tender vegetables, savory chunks of ham, and that rich, velvety texture you only get when split peas cook down just right. I first made this on a chilly Tuesday when I had leftover ham in the fridge and no clue what to make for dinner, and now it's become one of those recipes I turn to again and again. It's simple, uses ingredients you probably already have, and comes together fast in the Instant Pot without any fuss.
If you love easy one-pot meals, you might also enjoy this Easy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe or this Easy Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti recipe ,For another comforting classic, try this Easy Chicken Marsala recipe .
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup checks all the boxes. It's hearty enough to fill you up on a cold night, easy enough for a weeknight, and uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly fast, but the slow cooker and stovetop methods work just as well if you have more time.
The ham bone adds so much flavor, but if you don't have one, diced ham works perfectly on its own. The split peas break down into a thick, creamy base without needing any cream or flour. It's naturally gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and budget-friendly.
You can customize it too. Add potatoes for extra heartiness, skip them if you want it lighter, or throw in extra veggies like parsnips or leeks. It reheats beautifully and freezes well, so it's perfect for meal prep.
Jump to:
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make this comforting, hearty Instant Pot Split Pea Soup .
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredients Quantities
- Dried split peas: These little green gems break down as they cook, creating a thick, creamy texture without any dairy. Rinse them first to remove any dust.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and build flavor at the start.
- Carrots: Add sweetness and color. Dice them so they cook evenly and blend into the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup .
- Onion: Brings a savory base. Yellow or white onions work best here.
- Celery: Adds a subtle earthy flavor and classic Instant Pot Split Pea Soup aroma.
- Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, it deepens the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Diced ham: The star of the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup . Adds smoky, salty, savory flavor in every bite.
- Ham bone: This is optional but highly recommended. It infuses the broth with rich, meaty flavor as it simmers.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup . You can use vegetable broth if you prefer.
- Bay leaves: Add a warm, herbal note. Remove them before serving.
- Black pepper: Balances the richness and adds a gentle kick.
- Potatoes: Optional, but they make the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup even heartier and more filling. Peel and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
How to make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Instant Pot Method
Start the sauté: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode for 20 minutes. Add the olive oil, then toss in the diced carrots, onion, and celery.
Cook the vegetables: Let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and everything smells sweet and fragrant.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Cancel the sauté mode.
Add everything else: Stir in the rinsed split peas, diced ham, ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaves, black pepper, and potatoes if you're using them. If you add potatoes, pour in an extra cup of chicken broth or water to keep the consistency right.
Pressure cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, and select Pressure Cook on high for 15 minutes.
Release pressure: When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Then carefully turn the valve to do a quick release. Wait until the pin drops completely.
Finish the soup: Open the lid, remove the ham bone and bay leaves. Pull or cut any meat off the bone and stir it back into the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup .
Thicken if needed: If you want a thicker Instant Pot Split Pea Soup , just let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The split peas will continue to absorb liquid and thicken up.
Crock Pot Method
Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions, and celery, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent.
Add garlic: Toss in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Transfer to Crock Pot: Move the sautéed vegetables into your Crock Pot. Add the split peas, ham, ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaves, black pepper, and potatoes if using. Stir everything gently.
Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. The split peas will break down into a creamy, thick base.
Finish and serve: Remove the ham bone and bay leaves. Shred or cut any meat from the bone, stir it back into the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup , and serve hot.
Stove Top Method
Heat and sauté: In a large Dutch oven or Instant Pot Split Pea Soup , heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions, and celery, and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells fragrant. Lower the heat.
Add the base: Stir in the split peas, ham, ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaves, and black pepper. Mix gently.
Simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low for at least 4 hours, stirring every now and then to keep anything from sticking to the bottom.
Add potatoes: If you're using potatoes, add them about 45 minutes before you're ready to serve so they cook through without getting mushy.
Finish: Remove the ham bone and bay leaves. Shred or cut the meat from the bone, stir it in, and serve.
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit what you have on hand.
No ham bone? No problem. Just use diced ham or even bacon. You'll still get great flavor.
Vegetarian version: Skip the ham and ham bone entirely. Use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smoky depth.
Different vegetables: Try adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, or leeks for a twist. They all work beautifully with split peas.
Thicker or thinner soup: Add more broth if you want it Instant Pot Split Pea Soup . Let it sit longer if you want it thicker.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Equipment For Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Here's what makes this recipe come together smoothly.
Instant Pot or pressure cooker: The fastest method. A 6-quart model works perfectly for this recipe.
Crock Pot: Great if you want to set it and forget it. A 6 to 8-quart slow cooker is ideal.
Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Perfect for the stovetop method. Make sure it has a heavy bottom to prevent sticking.
Cutting board and knife: For prepping all your vegetables and ham.
Measuring cups and spoons: Keeps everything accurate and balanced.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and sautéing without scratching your pot.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Refrigerator: Let the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It'll keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions or a large container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it's thickened up too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
The split peas continue to absorb liquid as the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup sits, so don't be surprised if it thickens. Just thin it out with a little extra broth.
expert tips
Rinse your split peas. It only takes a minute and removes any dust or debris.
Don't skip the sauté step. Cooking the vegetables first builds a deeper, richer flavor base.
Use a ham bone if you can. It adds so much flavor and makes the broth taste homemade and hearty.
Let it rest. The Instant Pot Split Pea Soup thickens as it sits. If you want it extra thick, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Adjust the seasoning at the end. Taste the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup before serving and add more black pepper or a pinch of salt if needed. The ham and broth can be salty, so go easy at first.
Stir occasionally if using the stovetop method. This prevents the split peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
FAQ
Can I use leftover ham for split pea soup?
Absolutely. Leftover ham works perfectly in this recipe. Just dice it up and add it to the pot. You can even freeze leftover ham specifically for making this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup later.
How long should split pea soup cook in a slow cooker?
Cook it on low for about 8 hours. The split peas need time to break down and become creamy. If you're short on time, you can cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours, but low and slow gives the best texture and flavor.
How do you make split pea soup thicker?
Let the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup sit for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking. The split peas will continue to absorb liquid and thicken naturally. You can also mash some of the soup with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender to puree part of it. If you want it thicker from the start, use a little less broth.
Can I add potatoes to split pea soup?
Yes. Potatoes make the Instant Pot Split Pea Soup heartier and more filling. Just peel and dice them, then add them to the pot with everything else. If you're using the stovetop method, add them about 45 minutes before the soup is done so they don't overcook. Remember to add an extra cup of broth or water when you include potatoes.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using sauté mode until shimmering. prep
- Add carrots, onion, and celery, cooking 3-5 minutes until onions turn translucent. prep
- Cancel sauté mode. Gently add split peas, diced ham, ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaves, black pepper, and potatoes if using. mix
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. bake
- Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then perform a quick release. finish
- Remove ham bone and bay leaves. Shred or cut any meat from the bone and stir into the soup. finish
Leave a Reply