Turn a ham bone and bag of dry split peas into a hearty soup in a fraction of the time with the help of a pressure cooker. This Instant Pot split pea soup recipe will have you sitting down to a bowl of warm comforting goodness before you know it.
Homemade split pea soup is such a classic way to turn a ham bone into a nutritious and filling meal. Get that slow simmered flavor and creamy texture in a lot less time with the help of your instant pot. Grandma would be so impressed!
Don’t let that leftover ham bone go to waste! It should practically be a crime to not turn it into a pot of ham and bean or split pea soup.
Those little bits of hard to get meat turn into a whole meal. Not to mention the flavor that hock gives to the broth.
In years past, split pea soup took a little planning. You needed to get the veggies cut and the slow cooker loaded before you could start the day.
Of course you could make it a little faster on the stove, but then you needed to keep an eye on it. You don’t want anything scorching on the bottom of the pan.
Now with the help of modern electronic pressure cookers, you can make it fast and easy. It’s quick enough to make start to finish on a work night!
Don’t Add Acid
Adding anything acidic to the pot before dry beans and peas are cooked can keep them from softening. If you like adding vinegar or lemon juice to your soup, do so after the peas or beans are already softened.
Making Easy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Just chop up your veggies and give them a quick sauté in the instant pot. Then add the ham bone, broth and split peas and let the pressure cooker take over.
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In no time it will be ready to stir into a creamy thick soup. You are welcome to just remove the bits of meat from the ham hock and stir them back in.
I do that, but I also stir in some additional diced ham. It makes the soup meatier and I prefer the texture that way.
So if you find yourself with a meaty bone after your Easter or Christmas ham, pull out this recipe. It’s a great way to get as much use as possible from your purchase.
All you need is a bowl of soup and some crusty bread and dinner is ready. This hearty soup is filling enough to be the main dish, there is not need for more courses.
It’s an economical way to get more meals on the table. Of course it tastes great as well, so double bonus!
How do I thicken my pea soup?
If the split peas are all the way cooked, a good stir is usually all it takes to thicken the broth. To make it thicker, either cook it a little bit longer or mash a few of the peas.
If you are looking for more great ways to use leftover ham, check out my broccoli cheddar and ham pot pie or creamy pasta with ham and peas.
Or make a ham, potato and cheese quiche or asparagus and ham frittata for brunch. They are all fabulous options!
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 onion diced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 16 ounce bag dried split peas rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ham bone
- 1 cup chopped ham optional
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In 6 quart or larger instant pot, heat oil until it shimmers using the sauté function.1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- Add the copped carrots, diced onions, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent.1 cup chopped carrots, 1 onion, 2 stalks celery
- Add chicken broth, peas, ham bone and bay leaf. Turn off sauté setting and place the lid on the pressure cooker. Make sure the steam valve is set to the sealed position. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. You can quick release if you are in a hurry, or do a natural pressure release until you are ready to eat.6 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 ham bone, 16 ounce bag dried split peas
- Remove the bay leaf and ham bone. Stir in additional chopped ham if desired. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.1 cup chopped ham
- If you find your soup is thicker than you would like, just stir in a little more broth or water. If it is thinner than you would like, mash a few peas or cook it a bit longer.
Notes
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Despite my husbands fussiness (is that a word, lol) about soup, he loves Split Pea Soup so much, and I always protest making it because of the time involved. You just took that excuse away… Thank you!!!
The pressure cooker makes it so much quicker! Enjoy!
Hi Carlee, I found a packet of yellow spilt peas in amongst the tins! I would usually use them to make fava, but it's been ages since I've made ham and pea soup. I may have to tell a little white lie to the family though, yellow potato and ham soup may be more easily accepted.
xx
Ha! I have to "rename" things occasionally to get my guys to eat them as well!
It’s going to be a rainy day tomorrow so I should totally make this!
It's perfect for a dreary day!