Effortless Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup: A Comforting Classic Made Easy

Split pea and ham soup is a timeless classic, a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and home. Traditionally, it requires hours of simmering on the stovetop to achieve that perfect creamy texture and deeply savory flavor. But what if you could achieve the same incredible results in a fraction of the time, with minimal effort? Enter the Instant Pot. This electric pressure cooker transforms the way we approach this beloved soup, making it a weeknight-friendly meal without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

This recipe brings together the earthy goodness of split peas, the smoky richness of ham, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. The result is a thick, hearty soup that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch. Get ready to experience the magic of Instant Pot split pea and ham soup – you’ll never go back to the stovetop method again!

Why Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup?

There are several compelling reasons to make your split pea and ham soup in an Instant Pot:

* **Speed:** The most significant advantage is the drastically reduced cooking time. What takes hours on the stovetop is accomplished in under an hour in the Instant Pot.
* **Convenience:** The Instant Pot is a hands-off cooking appliance. Once you’ve added the ingredients and set the pressure, you can walk away and let it do its thing.
* **Flavor:** Pressure cooking infuses the ingredients with flavor, resulting in a richer, more complex taste than traditional simmering.
* **Texture:** The Instant Pot breaks down the split peas, creating a creamy, smooth texture without the need for pureeing (although you can certainly puree a portion if you prefer a completely smooth soup).
* **Minimal Effort:** The process is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal chopping and stirring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.

* **1 pound dried split peas:** Green or yellow split peas will work equally well. Rinse them thoroughly before using to remove any debris.
* **1 ham hock or 1-2 cups diced ham:** A ham hock adds incredible smoky flavor to the soup. If you don’t have a ham hock, diced ham is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully!
* **1 large onion, chopped:** Yellow or white onion provides a foundational aromatic flavor.
* **2 carrots, chopped:** Carrots add sweetness and color to the soup.
* **2 celery stalks, chopped:** Celery contributes a savory, slightly salty flavor.
* **4-6 cloves garlic, minced:** Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic element.
* **8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth:** Broth forms the liquid base of the soup. Chicken broth enhances the savory flavor, while vegetable broth makes the soup vegetarian-friendly.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Thyme adds an earthy and herbaceous note.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram:** Marjoram complements the thyme with its slightly sweet and peppery flavor.
* **1 bay leaf:** Bay leaf infuses the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of the soup.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil (optional):** Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables, but you can skip it for a lower-fat option.
* **Optional garnishes:** Fresh parsley, croutons, a swirl of cream, or a dollop of sour cream.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Instant Pot (6-quart or larger):** The star of the show!
* **Cutting board and knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For stirring.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting Instant Pot split pea and ham soup.

**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)**

* If you’re using olive oil, turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot.
* Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* If you’re skipping the olive oil, you can add the vegetables directly to the pot without sautéing. The soup will still be delicious.

**Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* Add the rinsed split peas, ham hock (or diced ham), chicken broth (or vegetable broth), dried thyme, dried marjoram, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.

**Step 3: Pressure Cook**

* Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place.
* Close the pressure release valve (set it to “Sealing”).
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 25 minutes.

**Step 4: Natural Pressure Release (NPR)**

* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes. This means letting the pressure decrease on its own without manually releasing the valve.
* After 15-20 minutes of natural pressure release, carefully release any remaining pressure by opening the pressure release valve (quick release). Be cautious of the steam that will escape.

**Step 5: Remove Ham Hock and Shred (If Using)**

* If you used a ham hock, carefully remove it from the Instant Pot using tongs.
* Let the ham hock cool slightly before shredding the meat from the bone. Discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat.
* Return the shredded ham to the Instant Pot.
* If you used diced ham, skip this step.

**Step 6: Season and Adjust**

* Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
* Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as desired. You may want to add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.

**Step 7: Puree (Optional)**

* If you prefer a completely smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup directly in the Instant Pot. Be careful when using an immersion blender in a hot liquid.
* Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender and puree it until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the Instant Pot.
* Pureeing is optional; the soup will be creamy even without it.

**Step 8: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve the Instant Pot split pea and ham soup hot.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh parsley, croutons, a swirl of cream, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips and Variations

* **Soaking the Split Peas:** While not strictly necessary with an Instant Pot, soaking the split peas for a few hours before cooking can help them cook even faster and more evenly. If you choose to soak them, drain the soaking water before adding them to the Instant Pot.
* **Ham Hock vs. Diced Ham:** A ham hock provides a richer, smokier flavor, but diced ham is a convenient alternative. If using diced ham, consider using smoked ham for added flavor.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Option:** Omit the ham hock or diced ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian or vegan version. You can add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of ham.
* **Adding Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, turnips, or parsnips. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Thickening the Soup:** If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it on the “Sauté” function for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can mash some of the split peas with a fork.
* **Storage:** Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
* **Salt Content:** Ham hocks and some ham products can be quite salty. Taste the soup *after* cooking and adding the ham before adding any additional salt. You may find that you don’t need any at all!

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with:

* **Crusty bread or rolls:** Perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
* **Grilled cheese sandwich:** A classic pairing for soup.
* **Side salad:** A light and refreshing complement to the hearty soup.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving of Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is also relatively low in fat, especially if you use lean ham and skip the olive oil.

Conclusion

Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of preparation and the rich, flavorful results make this recipe a true winner. So, grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this modern twist on a traditional favorite. Enjoy!

**Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup!**