This split pea soup with leftover ham is full of texture and flavor. It is not a bowl of mush but an easy way to use leftover ham pieces.
Why This Recipe Works
Most people will swear that you don't need to soak split peas. And while technically, you don't have to soak them, 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. And since I'm trying to cook them as quickly as possible (and avoid the peas and other vegetables turning to mush), soaking them was the better choice.
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Leftover Ham
And this is the AMAZING Result…
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★ Did you make this split pea soup with leftover ham?
Please give it a star rating below! ★
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
This Instant Pot split pea soup is full of texture and flavor. It is not a bowl of mush but an easy way to use leftover ham pieces.
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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.
Notes
Want to skip the soaking? 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.
Expert Tips
- Soak split peas in lukewarm water for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight for optimal 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? Yes, feel free to substitute with different varieties of ham or even smoked turkey for a unique twist. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.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.