Effortless Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe
Split pea soup is a classic comfort food, known for its creamy texture and savory flavor. Traditionally, it requires simmering for hours on the stovetop. But with a pressure cooker, you can achieve the same rich taste in a fraction of the time. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying split pea soup in your pressure cooker, whether it’s an Instant Pot or another brand.
Why Use a Pressure Cooker for Split Pea Soup?
* **Speed:** Pressure cooking significantly reduces the cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavor:** The sealed environment intensifies the flavors, resulting in a richer and more robust soup.
* **Texture:** Pressure cooking breaks down the split peas beautifully, creating a naturally creamy texture without needing to add cream.
* **Convenience:** It’s a hands-off method; once everything is in the pot, you can let the pressure cooker do its work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make a flavorful pressure cooker split pea soup:
* **Dried Split Peas:** 1 pound (green or yellow split peas work equally well)
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced
* **Smoked Ham Hock or Ham Bone:** 1 (about 1 pound) – *Optional, but highly recommended for flavor*
* **Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth:** 8 cups (low sodium preferred)
* **Water:** 2 cups (adjust as needed)
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Marjoram:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
* **Bay Leaf:** 1
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Garnishes:** Croutons, chopped fresh parsley, a swirl of cream or yogurt.
**Ingredient Notes:**
* **Split Peas:** You can use either green or yellow split peas. Green split peas have a slightly sweeter flavor, while yellow split peas are a bit more earthy. No pre-soaking is necessary for split peas when using a pressure cooker.
* **Ham Hock/Bone:** This adds a deep, smoky flavor to the soup. If you don’t have one, you can substitute it with diced ham (about 1 cup) added towards the end of the cooking process. You can also use smoked turkey leg as a substitute. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the ham altogether and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
* **Broth:** Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup. You can always add more salt later if needed.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips. Just dice them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs can also be used. If using fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make a delicious pressure cooker split pea soup:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Rinse the split peas in a colander under cold running water to remove any debris.
* Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
* If using a ham hock or ham bone, rinse it under cold water.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)**
* Turn on your pressure cooker and select the ‘Sauté’ function. If your pressure cooker doesn’t have a sauté function, you can use a large pot on the stovetop for this step and then transfer everything to the pressure cooker.
* Add the olive oil to the pressure cooker pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. This step helps to develop the flavors of the vegetables.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**
* Turn off the ‘Sauté’ function.
* Add the rinsed split peas, ham hock (or ham bone), vegetable broth (or chicken broth), water, dried thyme, dried marjoram (if using), and bay leaf to the pressure cooker pot.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.
**Step 4: Pressure Cook**
* Secure the lid of the pressure cooker, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place.
* Set the pressure cooker to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and set the cooking time to 25 minutes at high pressure.
* Make sure the steam release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
**Step 5: Release the Pressure**
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. This means you simply let the pressure cooker sit undisturbed for 15 minutes after the timer goes off. Natural pressure release helps to prevent the soup from splattering and ensures that the split peas are fully cooked.
* After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by turning the steam release valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be cautious of the hot steam that will be released.
* Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker.
**Step 6: Remove the Ham Hock (if used) and Adjust Seasoning**
* Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the ham hock (or ham bone) from the soup. Place it on a cutting board.
* Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone. Discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat.
* Return the shredded ham to the soup.
* Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it.
* Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember that the ham hock (if used) will already add some saltiness, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
**Step 7: Blend (Optional)**
* If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Be careful when blending hot liquids. You can also transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy**
* Ladle the split pea soup into bowls.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, chopped fresh parsley, or a swirl of cream or yogurt.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
* **Don’t skip the sautéing step:** Sautéing the vegetables before pressure cooking adds depth of flavor to the soup.
* **Adjust the liquid:** The amount of liquid may need to be adjusted depending on your pressure cooker and the desired consistency of the soup. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it on the ‘Sauté’ function for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
* **Don’t overfill the pressure cooker:** Never fill the pressure cooker more than two-thirds full, especially when cooking foods that expand, like split peas.
* **Use low-sodium broth:** This allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.
* **Allow natural pressure release:** This helps to prevent the soup from splattering and ensures that the split peas are fully cooked.
* **Spice it up:** For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Storage:** Leftover split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Split Pea Soup:** Omit the ham hock or ham bone. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or turnips.
* **Curried Split Pea Soup:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder along with the other spices. You can also add a can of coconut milk for a creamier texture.
* **Spicy Split Pea Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables.
* **Split Pea Soup with Sausage:** Instead of ham hock, use smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille sausage. Slice the sausage and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham:** follow all steps as above, make sure to dice the ham and add at step 3
Serving Suggestions
Split pea soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:
* **Crusty bread:** Perfect for dipping into the soup.
* **Grilled cheese sandwich:** A classic combination.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing complement to the rich soup.
* **Cornbread:** A Southern favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?**
A: No, you don’t need to soak split peas before cooking them in a pressure cooker. The pressure cooking process will soften them sufficiently.
**Q: Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker?**
A: Yes, you can. Sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer them to a 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: Can I make this soup without a ham hock or ham bone?**
A: Yes, you can. If you don’t have a ham hock or ham bone, you can substitute it with diced ham (about 1 cup) added towards the end of the cooking process. You can also use smoked turkey leg as a substitute. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the ham altogether and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
**Q: How do I store leftover split pea soup?**
A: Leftover split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
**Q: How do I reheat split pea soup?**
A: You can reheat split pea soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
**Q: My split pea soup is too thick. What can I do?**
A: If your split pea soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
**Q: My split pea soup is too thin. What can I do?**
A: If your split pea soup is too thin, you can simmer it on the ‘Sauté’ function of your pressure cooker for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to thicken it.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?**
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables you enjoy, such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips. Just dice them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
**Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?**
A: Yes, you can use fresh herbs. If using fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
Enjoy Your Homemade Split Pea Soup!
This pressure cooker split pea soup recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and quick cooking time, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your pressure cooker, and get ready to savor a bowl of homemade goodness!