There’s nothing quite like the heartwarming aroma of a delicious pot of Instant Pot Split Pea Soup bubbling away in your kitchen. Picture this: a thick, velvety soup that envelops your senses, with hints of earthy peas and savory ham, all mingling together to create a symphony of flavors. delicious minestrone soup hearty chicken and wild rice soup It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy inside, even on the gloomiest of days. Cajun sausage and rice. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Chicken Spring Rolls recipe.
Now, let me take you back to a chilly evening when I decided to whip up this delightful soup for my family. The moment I lifted the lid off the Instant Pot, an avalanche of comforting scents filled the room, drawing my loved ones into the kitchen like moths to a flame. It was love at first whiff, and their eager faces told me I was onto something special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making dinner stress-free
- The rich flavor profile combines smoky ham with sweet peas for pure bliss
- The vibrant green color makes it visually appealing in any bowl
- Enjoy it as a hearty meal or a light starter; it’s incredibly versatile!
It’s funny how just one recipe can spark so many joyful memories—like watching my kids slurp up their servings and ask for seconds, which is always music to a parent’s ears.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Split Peas: These little gems are packed with protein and fiber; choose dried green or yellow split peas for variety.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop finely to release its wonderful aroma as it cooks.
- Carrots: About two medium carrots bring natural sweetness and texture; dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Celery: Use two stalks for a fresh crunch and depth; make sure they’re chopped evenly so they cook through.
- Smoked Ham Hock: This ingredient gives the soup an irresistible smoky flavor; if unavailable, diced ham works well too.
- Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness; it enhances flavor without overpowering the peas.
- Bay Leaves: Just one or two adds aromatic notes; remember to remove them before serving!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors; adjust them according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing the Aromatics: Start by turning your Instant Pot onto the sauté function. Add a splash of olive oil and toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and smell divine—about 5-7 minutes should do it.
Add the Peas and Ham Hock: Stir in your split peas along with that glorious smoked ham hock. Watch as they mingle with those sautéed veggies—trust me, this is where magic begins.
Pouring in Broth & Seasoning Up!: Carefully pour in vegetable broth until everything is submerged. Toss in bay leaves along with salt and pepper; stir gently to combine all those fantastic flavors.
Pressure Cook Away!: Seal your Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes. As it cooks away, enjoy some time sipping tea or scrolling through social media—multi-tasking at its finest!
Naturally Release Pressure & Serve Hot!: When done, allow natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid. Remove bay leaves and ham hock before serving generous bowls of that luscious soup.
Making Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is not just about following steps but also about enjoying each moment spent creating something delicious! creamy roasted cauliflower soup.
You Must Know
- Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a hearty, nutritious dish that’s perfect for chilly days
- The velvety texture and earthy flavors make it irresistible
- Plus, it’s great for meal prep and freezes well, so you can enjoy it later without any hassle
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the Instant Pot. Then, add split peas, broth, and seasonings before pressure cooking to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with diced carrots, potatoes, or smoked ham for extra flavor. You can even play with spices like thyme or paprika!
Storing & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before serving
- Always rinse split peas thoroughly; this helps remove any debris
- Adjust seasoning at the end for maximum flavor impact
I remember the first time I made Instant Pot Split Pea Soup; I accidentally used yellow split peas instead of green! Surprisingly, it turned out delicious, and now I embrace both varieties. For more inspiration, check out this Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad recipe.
FAQ
Can I use dried split peas instead of fresh?
Yes, dried split peas are perfect and commonly used in Instant Pot recipes.
How long does Instant Pot Split Pea Soup take to cook?
It typically takes about 30 minutes under high pressure to cook perfectly.
Can I add meat to my soup?
Absolutely! Smoked ham or bacon adds wonderful flavor to your split pea soup.
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This velvety soup combines earthy split peas with smoky ham, creating a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your soul. It’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it ideal for both hearty meals and light starters. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, leaving you with a cozy experience and memories to cherish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or yellow split peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced ham)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot on the sauté function with a splash of olive oil for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add split peas and smoked ham hock; stir until well combined.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaves along with salt and pepper; stir gently.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid. Remove bay leaves and ham hock before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
