Welcome to your new favorite comfort food recipe! This Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup is not just incredibly easy to prepare but also delivers a depth of flavor that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or a hearty lunch, this one-pot wonder truly simplifies mealtime without compromising on taste. Serve it alongside a crisp side salad for a lighter meal, or pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of its savory goodness. The best part? Leftovers are fantastic, often tasting even better the next day, making it an ideal candidate for quick, nutritious lunches or dinners throughout the week. Naturally gluten-free, this versatile recipe can also be easily adapted for vegetarian diets by simply omitting the ham.
There’s an undeniable comfort that comes with a steaming bowl of soup, especially when the temperatures drop. This super easy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup stands out as a true one-pot meal, requiring only 15 minutes of active cooking time under high pressure in your Instant Pot. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes, with the majority of that time being completely hands-off. This allows you to tackle other tasks or simply relax while your kitchen fills with an enticing aroma.
One of the most appealing features of this recipe is that there’s no need to pre-soak the split peas, saving you precious time and effort. The Instant Pot handles the tenderizing beautifully, ensuring a perfectly cooked soup every time. We highly recommend adding this effortless pressure cooker meal to your upcoming meal plan. We’re confident it will earn a spot as a regular in your rotation, offering a satisfying and deeply flavorful experience that won’t leave you disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup
This Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a staple for cozy comfort. Here are compelling reasons why this hearty soup will quickly become a household favorite:
- Unbeatable Speed & Convenience: Forget hours of simmering on the stovetop. Your soup will be ready to enjoy in approximately 45 minutes from start to finish, with a minimal 15 minutes of high-pressure cooking time. The majority of the process is hands-off, allowing you to multitask or simply relax while your Instant Pot works its magic.
- Effortless Preparation: No need for the tedious step of soaking split peas overnight! The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capability tenderizes them perfectly, directly from the bag. This convenience makes spontaneous soup cravings a reality.
- Customizable for Every Diet: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For our vegan or vegetarian friends, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the ham. You can easily add plant-based proteins or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Budget-Friendly & Nutritious: Made with inexpensive pantry staples like split peas and common vegetables, this soup is kind to your wallet. It’s also packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Freezer-Friendly & Great for Meal Prep: This recipe yields a generous 8 servings, making it perfect for meal prepping. Easily freeze individual portions for future quick lunches or dinners. It reheats beautifully, retaining its rich flavor and texture.
- Deep, Rich Flavor: The combination of savory ham, aromatic vegetables, and earthy split peas, all cooked under pressure, results in a soup with an incredibly deep and satisfying flavor profile that tastes like it simmered all day.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Split Pea Soup
Crafting a truly delicious split pea soup begins with a careful selection of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with insights into why each component is crucial:
- Split Green Peas: These dried, split legumes form the wholesome and hearty base of our soup. They break down beautifully under pressure, creating a thick, creamy texture without needing any additional thickeners. The Instant Pot ensures they become tender in record time, eliminating the need for pre-soaking. While green split peas are traditional, yellow split peas can also be used for a slightly different color and mild flavor.
- Aromatic Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic): Often referred to as a “mirepoix” (with the addition of garlic), this trio forms the foundational flavor layer of many classic soups. Sautéing them first brings out their natural sweetness and creates a depth of flavor that permeates the entire dish. They also contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and a pleasant texture.
- Broth (Reduced-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth): The liquid base for our soup, broth adds a significant amount of flavor. We recommend reduced-sodium options to give you more control over the final saltiness. Chicken broth complements the ham beautifully, while vegetable broth is the perfect choice for a vegetarian version.
- Seasonings (Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme, Black Pepper): These herbs and spices are key to developing the classic, comforting taste of split pea soup. Bay leaves infuse the broth with a subtle, aromatic quality, while dried thyme adds an earthy, savory note. A touch of black pepper enhances all the other flavors. You might also consider a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth, especially in a vegetarian rendition.
- Ham: The star protein of this soup, ham provides a wonderful salty, savory, and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the peas. For ease and convenience, we recommend using a pre-cooked ham steak, diced into bite-sized pieces. This eliminates the need to deal with a ham bone or shredding meat. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, always check the label to ensure your ham is certified gluten-free. Alternatively, leftover holiday ham works wonderfully too!
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil provides a healthy fat base and helps to bring out the aromatics’ flavors.
For exact quantities and detailed measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Making this hearty split pea and ham soup in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time:
Step One: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on normal heat. Once the inner pot is hot, add your olive oil. Allow it to shimmer for a moment, then add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s aromatic. This crucial step is known as building the “flavor base” and greatly enhances the overall taste of your soup.
Step Two: Combine & Deglaze
Once your vegetables are fragrant, press “Cancel” on the Instant Pot to turn off the Sauté function. This prevents scorching. Pour in a small amount of broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this is called deglazing and adds even more flavor while preventing the “Burn” notice. Now, rinse your split peas thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, along with the remaining chicken broth (or vegetable broth), dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together gently to combine.
For precise ingredient quantities and measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the conclusion of this article.
Step Three: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Carefully secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function and set the cooking time to 15 minutes on high pressure. It will take approximately 10-15 minutes for the pot to come to full pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
Once the 15-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This “Natural Release” (NR) helps to further tenderize the peas and allows the hot contents to settle, preventing foam from spewing from the valve. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the steam release valve to “Venting” for a “Quick Release” (QR) to let out any remaining pressure. Once the floating valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
Step Four: Finish and Serve
Gently remove the lid, being cautious of any lingering steam. Discard the bay leaf. Stir in your diced cooked ham steak and let it heat through in the hot soup for a few minutes. At this point, you can also check the consistency and add more warmed broth or water if you prefer a thinner soup. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to your liking.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. You’ll agree that this delicious soup boasts a deep, comforting flavor achieved in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop or slow cooker methods. It’s truly one of the most satisfying and easy recipes to add to your repertoire. For an extra special touch, serve it alongside a slice of homemade gluten-free cornbread!
Expert Tips for the Best Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
To ensure your Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- No Soaking Required: As mentioned, one of the greatest advantages of using an Instant Pot for split peas is that pre-soaking is entirely optional. The high-pressure environment tenderizes them beautifully. However, if you choose to soak your peas (perhaps overnight), you can reduce the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure. Always rinse your peas thoroughly before cooking, regardless of soaking.
- Adjusting Consistency: Split pea soup naturally thickens as it cools. If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to stir in an extra cup or two of warmed broth or water at the end of the cooking process until it reaches your desired texture. If you find it too thin, you can press “Sauté” after removing the lid and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Making it Vegetarian/Vegan: To adapt this recipe for vegetarian or vegan diets, simply omit the ham entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For an added layer of flavor that mimics some of the savory depth from ham, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke, or an extra teaspoon of salt. You can also incorporate other plant-based proteins like diced smoked tofu or plant-based sausage.
- Bacon Substitution: If you love the smoky flavor of bacon, it makes an excellent substitute for ham. You have a couple of options:
- Sauté with Veggies: Dice a pound of uncooked bacon and sauté it in the Instant Pot before adding the vegetables. Cook until crispy, then remove the bacon bits and set aside. Cook the vegetables in the rendered bacon fat for an extra layer of flavor. Stir the crispy bacon bits back into the soup just before serving.
- Stir in Cooked Bacon: Alternatively, you can cook bacon separately, chop it, and stir it into the soup at the very end, just like you would with the ham.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The saltiness can vary depending on the broth and ham you use. A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors.
- Garnishes Galore: While delicious on its own, garnishes can elevate your soup. Consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream (dairy or non-dairy), or some crunchy homemade croutons.
What to Serve with Split Pea and Ham Soup
A hearty bowl of Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup is a meal in itself, but a few thoughtfully chosen accompaniments can elevate it into a truly memorable dining experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: A classic pairing! A warm, crusty baguette or a soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. Garlic bread or cheese bread can add an extra layer of indulgence.
- Gluten-Free Cornbread: For a delightful Southern-inspired touch, serve your soup with a generous slice of homemade gluten-free cornbread. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture offers a wonderful contrast to the savory soup.
- Fresh Green Salad: To balance the richness of the soup, a light and refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is an excellent choice. Simple mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes work perfectly.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food combo! A gooey grilled cheese sandwich dipped into a hot bowl of split pea soup is pure culinary bliss.
- Crackers or Melba Toast: For a simple crunch, a side of your favorite crackers or melba toast is always a welcome addition.
- Simple Sandwich: A half-sandwich, such as a turkey and Swiss or a simple veggie wrap, can turn your soup into a more substantial lunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts can add more nutrition and texture to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
No, you absolutely do not have to soak green split peas before cooking them in the Instant Pot. The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot efficiently breaks down the peas, making them tender in a short amount of time, just 15 minutes! You can also use yellow split peas in this soup recipe; the cooking method remains the same.
Yes, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and ensure you use a good quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, follow the vegetarian modifications and also ensure any garnishes (like sour cream) are plant-based. You may want to add an extra teaspoon of salt, a dash of smoked paprika, or a few drops of liquid smoke to replace some of the savory, smoky flavor that the ham would typically provide.
Absolutely! Bacon is a fantastic alternative to ham and will add a wonderful smoky flavor. You have two main options: you can either sauté diced, uncooked bacon with the vegetables at the beginning of the recipe until crispy (removing excess fat if desired, and stirring the cooked bacon back in at the end), or you can cook bacon separately, chop it, and stir it into the finished soup just before serving.
Yes, you can certainly use ham hocks for a very traditional split pea soup flavor. Ham hocks will infuse the soup with a deep, smoky richness as they cook. However, for the sake of convenience and ease of serving, we recommend using a chopped ham steak for this Instant Pot recipe. With a ham steak, you avoid the need to debone and shred the ham, making the process much quicker and simpler. Look for pre-cooked ham steaks in the meat section of your local grocery store.
Cooked split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes exceptionally well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
The Instant Pot Advantage for Split Pea Soup
While split pea soup can certainly be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, using an Instant Pot truly streamlines the process and enhances the outcome. Here’s why this electric pressure cooker is the ideal tool for this classic soup:
- Speed: Traditional split pea soup requires hours of simmering to get the peas tender and the flavors to meld. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down this cooking time, making a rich, perfectly tender soup in under an hour from start to finish.
- No Pre-Soaking: As highlighted, the pressure cooking environment negates the need for overnight soaking, saving you planning time and effort.
- Deep Flavor Development: Pressure cooking forces liquids and flavors into the ingredients, creating a more intense and well-developed taste in a shorter amount of time than conventional methods.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once you set the pressure and time, the Instant Pot takes over, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply enjoy a break. There’s no constant stirring or monitoring required.
- One-Pot Convenience: The sauté function allows you to brown your aromatics directly in the Instant Pot, eliminating the need for extra pots and pans and making cleanup a breeze.
- Consistent Results: The Instant Pot maintains a precise cooking environment, leading to consistently perfect results every time, ensuring your peas are tender without being mushy.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
This Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for meal prepping or simply enjoying throughout the week. Proper storage ensures its delicious flavor and texture last.
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Split pea soup freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace to account for expansion. Alternatively, portion it into freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date. Frozen soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- From Refrigerator: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For larger batches, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
- From Freezer: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat as you would refrigerated soup. If reheating directly from frozen, you can do so on the stovetop over very low heat, stirring often and adding liquid as needed, or in the microwave using short intervals.
More Healthy Instant Pot Soup Recipes You Might Like
If you enjoyed the ease and deliciousness of this Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot is a master at creating hearty, healthy soups with minimal effort. Explore these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen:
- Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup (Vegan)
- Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal
- Instant Pot Chicken Soup with Rice
- Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
- Instant Pot Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili
For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our comprehensive round-up of the best Instant Pot Soups, Chilis, & Stews!
Instant Pot Resources for Every Home Cook
Mastering your Instant Pot opens up a world of culinary possibilities. To help you get the most out of this incredible appliance, we’ve curated some essential resources, perfect for both beginners and seasoned users alike:
We truly hope you enjoy making this comforting Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup! If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a comment and a starred review below to share your experience with other home cooks. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
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5 from 2 reviews
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham is such an easy soup recipe to throw together. Serve this hearty and flavorful soup with a side salad or crusty bread. The leftovers are great too, and can be re-heated for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian. Ready in 45 minutes.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound uncooked split green peas, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (8-ounce) cooked ham steak, diced (ensure ham is gluten-free if on a gluten-free diet)
Instructions
- Press the Sauté button on your 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot. Pour in the oil and let it heat up for a few minutes.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the rinsed split peas, broth, dried thyme, and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir gently.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the vent to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) function and set the cooking time to 15 minutes at high pressure.
- When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes of natural release, carefully switch the steam release valve to “Venting” for a quick release of any remaining pressure. Once the floating valve drops, the lid can be safely opened.
- Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the diced ham steak and let it heat through in the soup for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You do not have to soak green split peas before cooking them in the Instant Pot.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to stir in an extra cup of warmed broth or water at the end of the cooking process.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply leave out the ham and add a teaspoon of salt to help replace some of the flavor.
- You can use bacon instead of ham in this recipe. You can either sauté diced uncooked bacon with the veggies, or you can stir in cooked and chopped bacon at the end.
- Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot pressure cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 277
- Sugar: 6.4 g
- Sodium: 803.9 mg
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.2 g
- Fiber: 15.3 g
- Protein: 21.9 g
- Cholesterol: 12.8 mg
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest is a distinguished author, holding a master’s degree in public health with a specialization in nutrition. She is the acclaimed author of the best-selling Instant Pot-authorized cookbook, The Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook. Her website attracts over 5 million annual visitors, a testament to her expertise and passion for healthy eating. Feel free to connect with Carrie through her contact form for any inquiries or collaborations.