This Instant Pot split pea soup is full of texture and flavor. Turn those leftover ham pieces into a simple yet satisfying dish—no bowl of mush here!
When I was younger, I always liked the taste of split pea soup. But I could never get over the texture. It was like eating a bowl of soupy mashed potatoes. So, like many of my other recipes, my goal is to create food that I love and that my kids will eat. And this Instant Pot split pea soup is a hit at our dinner table!
Why This Recipe Works
- Soaking split peas before cooking makes them easier to digest and reduces cooking time.
- It's a perfect way to repurpose leftover ham that adds depth of flavor and texture to the soup.
- This split pea soup is not your average mushy bowl of soup; it's packed with hearty chunks of ham and vegetables.
- The combination of thyme, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce adds layers of savory goodness.
To Soak or Not to Soak?
Some people will swear that you don't need to soak split peas. While technically, you don't have to, there are a few huge benefits to doing so.
- They digest more easily - meaning less gas. Some say unsoaked beans don't affect them, but soaking them has been proven to make digestion easier by helping break down the sugars.
- Soaking them reduces cooking time. Since we want to cook them as quickly as possible (to avoid turning the peas and other vegetables into mush), soaking them is the better choice.
More Bean Soup Recipes
- Vegan Instant Pot White Bean Soup
- Pressure Cooker White Bean Soup with Crispy Sausage and Kale
- Instant Pot Chicken Chili, Easy and Delicious
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili in 3 Steps
- Pressure Cooker Chili
Ingredients for Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
How to Make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
And this is the AMAZING Result…
Expert Tips
- If you want to (or must) skip the soaking process due to time... During step 5, add all ingredients to the pot, mix well, and lock the lid. Then, cook at high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure. It won't be the same, but it will still be delicious!
- When you first open the lid, the soup will be a little watery. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the consistency reaches its peak.
- Soak split peas in lukewarm water for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
- For a slightly firmer texture, cook the soup for 7 minutes at high pressure; for a softer consistency, cook for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure to prevent overcooking the peas and vegetables.
- Serve the soup with a side of rice, or enjoy it as a standalone dish for a satisfying meal.
FAQs
Do I have to soak the split peas? While it's not mandatory, soaking the split peas offers benefits such as easier digestion and reduced cooking time.
Can I use other types of ham or meat? Feel free to substitute with different types of ham or smoked turkey for a unique twist.
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes! To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
★ Did you make this Instant Pot split pea soup?
Please give it a star rating below! ★
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
This Instant Pot split pea soup is full of texture and flavor. Turn those leftover ham pieces into a simple yet satisfying dish—no bowl of mush here!
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Servings: 8
Calories: 307kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb. green split peas soaked minimum of 4 hours
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onions diced
- ½ cup celery diced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 2 Tbsp. garlic paste or minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 6 thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 8 oz. ham pieces
Instructions
- Add peas to bowl and let sit overnight (or for a minimum of 4 hours).
- Rinse soaked split peas thoroughly.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the oil and diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the diced celery, carrots, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the soaked split peas, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and ham pieces to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine. Lock the lid and cook for 7 minutes at high pressure for slightly firm peas or 10 minutes for a softer texture.
- Once cooking is complete, quick-release the pressure. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
- If you want to (or must) skip the soaking process due to time... Add all ingredients to the pot, mix well, and lock the lid. Then, cook at high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure. It won't be the same, but it will still be delicious!
- When you first open the lid, the soup will be a little watery. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the consistency reaches its peak.
- Soak split peas in lukewarm water for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
- For a slightly firmer texture, cook the soup for 7 minutes at high pressure; for a softer consistency, cook for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure to prevent overcooking the peas and vegetables.
- Serve the soup with a side of rice, or enjoy it as a standalone dish for a satisfying meal.
FAQs
Do I have to soak the split peas? While it's not mandatory, soaking the split peas offers benefits such as easier digestion and reduced cooking time. Can I use other types of ham or meat? Feel free to substitute with different types of ham or smoked turkey for a unique twist. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes! To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 671mg | Potassium: 898mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2820IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 3.4mg
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jujubee
Turned out perfect! The right consistency! Delicious!
Kate West
Very tasty! We are not pea soup fans as a rule, but we had left over ham so we tried this recipe and were very pleasantly surprised. Nice flavor and texture. Good job!
Sara T
I was very pleased to see an IP pea soup recipe that calls for soaked peas. I much prefer the less gassy nature of them. Thank you!
Sue Roe
Delicious! Made this today and enjoyed 2 bowls! Thanks for sharing your recipes!!
Gary White
Glad you enjoyed it!
Matthew Disalvatore
My entail thoughts when I saw the completed product before I tasted it were, "This looks nothing like what mom used to make." I'm used to a much more thick consistency to my pea soup, but YOOOOOOOO!!!!! This was amazing! The kids ate all of it, and I cannot wait for lunch tomorrow, because I'm having seconds of this. The wife and the kids both liked adding it over rice, but I like it as is. Thanks!!!
Jackie Lowe
I can't wait to make this recipe. Does this soup freeze well? Thanks!!
Gary White
I've never tried freezing it.