Effortless Instant Pot Split Pea Soup: A Flavorful and Healthy Recipe

Split pea soup is a classic comfort food, known for its hearty texture and satisfying flavor. Traditionally, it requires long simmering times, but the Instant Pot revolutionizes this process, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and nutritious split pea soup in a fraction of the time. This recipe will guide you through creating a flavorful, creamy, and utterly satisfying Instant Pot split pea soup that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.

Why Instant Pot Split Pea Soup?

The Instant Pot offers several advantages when making split pea soup:

* **Speed:** Significantly reduces cooking time compared to stovetop methods.
* **Hands-off:** Once the ingredients are in the pot, you can set it and forget it.
* **Flavor:** The pressure cooking process intensifies the flavors, resulting in a richer and more delicious soup.
* **Texture:** Creates a perfectly creamy texture without the need for blending (though you can blend it for an even smoother consistency).
* **Nutrient Retention:** Pressure cooking may help retain more nutrients compared to traditional boiling methods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this incredible Instant Pot split pea soup:

* **Dried Split Peas:** 1 pound (green or yellow split peas work equally well). Split peas don’t require pre-soaking, which is a huge time-saver.
* **Ham Hock (or Ham Bone):** 1 large. This is crucial for adding smoky, savory depth to the soup. If you don’t have a ham hock, you can use leftover ham, diced bacon, or even smoked sausage as a substitute, but the ham hock provides the most authentic flavor.
* **Vegetable Broth:** 8 cups (low-sodium preferred). Using vegetable broth keeps the recipe vegetarian/vegan if you omit the ham hock or use a plant-based ham substitute. Chicken broth can also be used for a richer flavor if you’re using ham.
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped. Provides a foundational flavor base for the soup.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped. Adds sweetness and texture.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped. Contributes to the aromatic flavor profile.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced. Essential for adding a pungent and savory note.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. A classic herb that complements split peas and ham beautifully.
* **Dried Marjoram:** ½ teaspoon. Adds a subtle, earthy sweetness.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1. Infuses the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Olive Oil (or other cooking oil):** 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing the vegetables.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, croutons, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Instant Pot split pea soup:

**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for developing the base flavors of the soup.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients**

1. Turn off the “Sauté” function.
2. Add the dried split peas, ham hock (or ham substitute), vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham hock will add salt, so start with a smaller amount and adjust later.

**Step 3: Pressure Cook**

1. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
2. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 25 minutes at high pressure.
3. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the timer starts counting down.

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

1. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. This means you don’t touch the valve and let the pressure dissipate on its own. This helps prevent the soup from splattering.
2. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by switching the valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious as steam will escape.

**Step 5: Remove Ham Hock and Shred Meat**

1. Once the pressure is completely released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
2. Remove the ham hock (or ham bone) from the soup using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a cutting board.
3. Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone. Discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat.
4. Return the shredded ham meat to the soup.

**Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning**

1. At this point, the split peas should be very tender and the soup should be quite thick. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Be careful when blending hot soup.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
3. If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Ladle the Instant Pot split pea soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

* **Don’t Soak the Split Peas:** Unlike many other dried beans, split peas don’t require pre-soaking. Just rinse them before adding them to the Instant Pot.
* **Ham Hock is Key:** While you can substitute other types of ham or smoked meat, a ham hock provides the most authentic and flavorful result. Look for a meaty ham hock at your local butcher shop or grocery store.
* **Adjust Cooking Time for Altitude:** If you live at a high altitude, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Add a few extra minutes to the pressure cooking time and check the consistency of the split peas after the natural pressure release.
* **Control the Salt:** Ham hocks can be quite salty, so be mindful of the amount of salt you add to the soup. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. You can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the ham.
* **Storage:** Leftover split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.
* **Freezing Instructions**: Allow soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace as the soup will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating Instructions**: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Add-ins

This Instant Pot split pea soup recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and add-ins to consider:

* **Smoked Sausage:** Add sliced smoked sausage to the soup for extra flavor and heartiness.
* **Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory touch.
* **Potatoes:** Diced potatoes add a creamy texture and additional heartiness. Add them along with the other vegetables.
* **Greens:** Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or collard greens during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the soup.
* **Curry Powder:** Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a unique and flavorful twist.
* **Coconut Milk:** Stir in a can of coconut milk for a creamy and exotic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot split pea soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more enjoyable:

* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** Pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort food combination.
* **Side Salad:** A simple side salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
* **Cornbread:** Cornbread is a delicious accompaniment to split pea soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?**
A: Yes, you can use either green or yellow split peas in this recipe. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but both will work well.

**Q: Do I need to soak the split peas?**
A: No, split peas do not require pre-soaking.

**Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?**
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the split peas are tender.

**Q: How long does split pea soup last in the refrigerator?**
A: Split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Q: Can I freeze split pea soup?**
A: Yes, split pea soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

**Q: My soup is too thick. What should I do?**
A: Add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.

**Q: My soup is too thin. What should I do?**
A: You can simmer the soup on the stovetop for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup to thicken it.

**Q: I don’t have a ham hock. What can I use instead?**
A: You can use leftover ham, diced bacon, or smoked sausage as a substitute.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot split pea soup recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can create a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to savor a bowl of creamy, smoky, and utterly satisfying split pea soup!