Effortless Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Discover the ultimate recipe for a comforting and hearty meal: Instant Pot Split Pea Soup. This incredibly easy and flavorful soup is a classic that truly shines when prepared in a pressure cooker. Whether you’re looking for the perfect way to utilize a leftover ham bone or smoked ham hocks after a holiday feast, or simply craving a nourishing bowl of soup, this recipe is your answer. Combining tender split peas with savory broth, aromatic vegetables, and succulent ham, it creates a rich and satisfying experience. The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, transforming a dish that traditionally simmers for hours into a quick, convenient masterpiece ready in under an hour. For those seeking a plant-based option, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable to be both vegan-friendly and vegetarian, requiring only the omission of meat and a simple switch to vegetable broth. Get ready to enjoy a deeply flavorful soup that warms the soul and satisfies the palate.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure here.

This recipe was originally published in 2019 and has been updated to provide even more helpful tips and delicious insights.

FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECIPE CARD LOCATED AT THE END OF THIS POST. DON’T MISS THE VALUABLE TIPS AND INFORMATION SHARED THROUGHOUT THIS ARTICLE BEFORE YOU SCROLL DOWN!

After festive holidays like Easter or Thanksgiving, many find themselves with a prized possession: a leftover holiday spiral ham, often accompanied by a savory ham bone. The question inevitably arises: what to do with the ham bone to avoid waste and extend the deliciousness? The answer is simple and satisfying: transform it into a rich and flavorful leftover ham soup. This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is not just a solution for holiday remnants; it’s a comforting classic perfect for any chilly evening or when you simply desire a deeply nourishing meal.

Beyond its incredible taste, many wonder, “Is split pea soup good for you?” The answer is a resounding yes! Split peas are nutritional powerhouses, packed with dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and potassium, making them comparable to other beneficial legumes. Including split pea soup in your diet can contribute to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management, and supporting digestive health. For those conscious about fat intake, this recipe offers flexibility; you can easily reduce the fat content by opting for a smoked turkey leg or wing instead of ham, without sacrificing flavor.

Traditionally, preparing split pea soup on the stovetop can be a time-consuming affair, often requiring several hours of gentle simmering to achieve that perfect creamy texture and allow the flavors to meld. However, with the advent of the electric pressure cooker, specifically the Instant Pot, this process is dramatically streamlined. What once took an afternoon of passive cooking can now be accomplished in approximately an hour from start to finish, including prep time, active cooking, and natural pressure release. This efficiency makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet wholesome meal.

What Are Split Peas?

Split peas are a nutrient-dense and versatile member of the legume family, often confused with lentils due to their similar appearance and nutritional profile. However, there are distinct differences that make split peas ideal for this classic soup. They are essentially dried peas that have had their outer skin removed (hulled) and then split in half. This splitting process is key, as it dramatically reduces their cooking time and eliminates the need for pre-soaking, unlike many other dried legumes. They typically come in two main varieties: green and yellow.

Green split peas are perhaps the most common for split pea soup, offering a slightly sweeter flavor and a less starchy texture compared to their yellow counterparts. Both varieties are nutritional powerhouses, boasting high levels of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and essential micronutrients such as folate, manganese, thiamin, and iron. This makes split pea soup not just delicious but incredibly satisfying and beneficial for overall health, contributing to digestive wellness and sustained energy levels.

When purchasing split peas, you’ll generally find that one pound of dried split peas contains approximately two cups. Always ensure they are fresh and free from debris before cooking. Their ability to break down and create a naturally thick, creamy soup without the need for additional thickeners is one of their most beloved qualities. For a deeper dive into the world of split peas and how they compare to other legumes, you can explore resources like What Split Peas Are.

Do You Need to Soak the Peas Before Cooking?

One of the most convenient aspects of cooking with split peas, especially in a pressure cooker, is that pre-soaking is entirely unnecessary. Unlike whole dried beans or even whole dried peas, split peas have already been hulled and split. This processing breaks down their outer membrane, allowing them to absorb liquid and cook much faster without the need for an overnight soak.

While soaking isn’t required, it is crucial to properly prepare them before adding them to your Instant Pot. Always remember to rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water. Place them in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse until the water runs clear. As you rinse, take a moment to inspect the batch for any small pebbles, debris, or discolored peas that might have found their way in. This simple step ensures a clean and pleasant eating experience. Don’t be alarmed if the peas become slightly sticky or clump together after rinsing; this is perfectly normal and won’t affect the final texture of your soup.

How to Make Easy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Making split pea soup in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results with minimal effort. The pressure cooker works its magic by tenderizing the peas and infusing the broth with deep, rich flavors much faster than traditional methods. Here’s a concise overview of the steps involved to create this comforting classic:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Begin by activating the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add a touch of olive oil and sauté the foundational aromatics: diced onions, minced garlic, chopped celery, and carrots. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their sweet, savory notes. If you’re using cubed ham (not a ham bone or hocks), this is also the ideal time to add it for a quick sear.
2. Combine Ingredients: Deglaze the pot if necessary (add a splash of broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom) to prevent a “Burn” warning. Then, incorporate the remaining ingredients into the pot: chicken or vegetable broth, the rinsed split peas, your chosen ham bone or smoked ham hocks (or turkey leg/wing), a fragrant bay leaf, dried thyme, and initial seasoning of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure even distribution.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Set the pressure cooker to cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
4. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, resist the urge to immediately open the pot. Instead, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes. This natural release (NPR) is vital for ensuring the peas fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamier texture, and helps prevent frothing, which can be common with legumes.
5. Finish and Serve: After the natural release, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Open the lid away from your face. Remove the ham bone or hocks, bay leaf, and any turkey bones. Shred the meat from the bones and return it to the soup. Stir the soup well; it will thicken as you stir and cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook Time & How Long to Cook Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Achieving the perfect consistency and flavor for split pea soup in the Instant Pot hinges on two critical time components: the high-pressure cooking duration and the natural pressure release. For this recipe, I find that a combination of 15 minutes of high-pressure cooking followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release yields consistently excellent results.

The 15 minutes under high pressure is ample time for the split peas to break down into that wonderfully creamy, thick texture characteristic of classic split pea soup. This duration also ensures that any ham hocks or ham bones release their savory flavors into the broth and that the meat becomes incredibly tender. The subsequent 15-minute natural pressure release (NPR) is equally important. During NPR, the Instant Pot slowly depressurizes, allowing the ingredients to continue cooking gently and for the flavors to deepen further. More importantly, it prevents the soup from frothing excessively and helps the peas fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a smoother, richer final product. After 15 minutes of NPR, you can manually release any remaining pressure before opening the lid. This method ensures your soup is perfectly cooked, flavorful, and has that ideal velvety consistency.

How Much Liquid is Needed for Split Pea Soup

The liquid component is crucial for the texture and flavor of your split pea soup. While the primary recipe calls for chicken or vegetable broth, there are flexible options depending on your pantry and flavor preferences. If you’re opting for a rich, ready-made flavor base, you’ll primarily use broth. Six cups of high-quality chicken or vegetable broth provide a robust foundation for the soup, infusing it with depth from the start.

However, if you prefer to build flavor from scratch or only have water on hand, you can certainly achieve a delicious soup using a concentrated bouillon base. In this scenario, you would need approximately 5 cups of water combined with a couple of tablespoons of a concentrated bouillon base, such as “Better Than Bouillon.” This product is excellent for adding intense flavor, whether you choose a ham-flavored base to complement your ham hocks, or a chicken or vegetable base for a more neutral or plant-based profile. Remember to adjust the amount of bouillon to your taste, as concentrations can vary. Always start with a little less and add more if needed, especially since ham and ham hocks can also contribute significant saltiness.

Freezer-Friendly Tips for Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

One of the fantastic benefits of making a large batch of Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is its excellent freezer-friendliness, making it a perfect meal-prep option. You can certainly make a double batch and store portions for quick, wholesome meals on busy days. Properly stored, this soup can maintain its quality and flavor in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.

To freeze, first ensure the soup has cooled completely to room temperature. Transfer individual portions into freezer-safe, airtight containers, leaving about an inch of headspace to account for expansion during freezing. Alternatively, heavy-duty freezer bags (laid flat after sealing for easy stacking) or even specialized freezer soup molds work wonderfully. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best method for thawing is to transfer the frozen soup from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Once thawed, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup appears too thick after thawing and reheating, you can always add a splash of extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For more in-depth guidance on freezing soups, you might find valuable information in resources like How to Freeze Split Pea Soup.

What to Pair With Your Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

A warm, hearty bowl of Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when complemented by the right accompaniments. These pairings add texture, enhance flavors, and create a more complete and delightful meal:

• Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Bread: The crispy crust and gooey, cheesy interior of garlic bread make it an ideal companion for soaking up every last bit of delicious soup. The garlicky flavor also perfectly complements the savory notes of the ham and peas.
• Homemade Southern Cornbread: A classic pairing for many Southern-inspired soups, cornbread offers a slightly sweet and crumbly contrast to the rich, savory soup. Its robust texture holds up well and provides a comforting balance.
• Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread: For those who enjoy a little kick, this spicy and cheesy cornbread elevates the experience, adding a vibrant counterpoint to the earthy flavors of the split peas.
• Keto Low Carb Cornbread: A fantastic option for guests or family members following a low-carb diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy a bread-like accompaniment without compromising their dietary goals.
• Crispy Croutons: Adding a handful of homemade or store-bought croutons provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soup’s creamy texture, enhancing each spoonful.
• Extra Sliced Ham: If you love ham, serving additional thinly sliced or diced ham on the side or sprinkled over the top amplifies the savory ham flavor, especially if your soup was made with less meat.
• Smoked Sausage: A few slices of pan-fried or grilled smoked sausage can add another layer of smoky, savory goodness and a different texture, transforming the soup into an even heartier meal.

Recipe Tips and Delicious Variations

This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some detailed tips to help you make the best soup possible:

• Choose Your Protein Wisely: While ham is the traditional star of split pea soup, this recipe is flexible.
  • Ham Hocks or Ham Bone: These are ideal for imparting a deep, smoky flavor and rich body to the soup. A leftover ham bone from a holiday roast is perfect. If using ham hocks, they provide both flavor and tender meat.
  • Cubed Ham: If you don’t have a bone or hocks, pre-cooked cubed ham is a convenient alternative. Add it during the initial sauté phase to brown slightly, or stir it in after the soup is cooked to simply warm through.
  • Bacon or Sausage: For a different smoky profile, crisp up some chopped bacon in the Instant Pot before adding other ingredients, then proceed with the recipe, leaving some of the rendered fat for flavor. Smoked sausage can also be sliced and added.
  • Smoked Turkey Leg or Wing: A fantastic leaner option that still provides incredible smoky depth. Many families, including mine, are increasingly making the switch from ham hocks to smoked turkey for traditional recipes, and it works beautifully here.
• Adding Potatoes for Heartiness: If you love a thicker, chunkier soup, peeled and cubed potatoes are a wonderful addition. However, potatoes cook much faster than split peas in a pressure cooker (typically just 5 minutes). To avoid overcooking them into mush:
  • Cook them separately and add them at the very end.
  • If you have a second Instant Pot, you could cook them simultaneously.
  • Alternatively, cook the potatoes using a standard stovetop method and stir them into the finished soup.
• Broth Alternatives: For intense flavor and flexibility:
  • Instead of pre-made broth, you can use Better Than Bouillon concentrate combined with water. A good ratio is 5 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of base. This allows you to control the intensity of the flavor.
  • Ham or chicken flavored bases both work excellently, depending on your preferred taste profile and whether you’re using ham or another protein.
• Making it Vegan or Vegetarian: It’s incredibly simple to adapt this recipe for plant-based diets.
  • Omit the Meat: Simply leave out the ham bone, hocks, or any other meat.
  • Use Vegetable Broth: Ensure you use a high-quality vegetable broth as your liquid base.
  • Enhance with Smoked Paprika: For a smoky flavor often missed when removing ham, a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika can work wonders.
  • Consider adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or corn for more texture and nutrients.
• Slow Cooker Option: No Instant Pot? No problem! This soup can also be prepared in a slow cooker. After sautéing the aromatics (optional, but recommended for flavor), combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
• Freezing for Later: As mentioned, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Always cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.

More Delicious Instant Pot Soups to Try

If you’re loving the convenience and incredible results of cooking soups in your Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat! The pressure cooker is a game-changer for transforming various ingredients into comforting bowls of warmth in a fraction of the time. Here are more fantastic Instant Pot soup recipes to expand your culinary repertoire:

• Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all your favorite baked potato toppings.
• Instant Pot Chicken Zoodle Soup: A low-carb twist on a classic, featuring zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Soup: Recreate this popular restaurant favorite at home with incredible ease.
• Instant Pot Black Bean Soup: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian option, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
• Instant Pot French Onion Soup: Rich, savory, and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese, made simpler with pressure cooking.
• Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup: A smooth and creamy autumn delight, bursting with sweet and earthy flavors.
• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup: Spicy, vibrant, and packed with chicken, beans, and corn for a Tex-Mex inspired meal.
• Instant Pot White Chicken Chili: A lighter, yet equally satisfying chili with tender chicken and white beans.

Easy, Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe

By Brandi Crawford

This Easy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is the ultimate pressure cooker recipe for using leftover ham bone or smoked ham hocks. It’s a hearty and comforting dish, loaded with split peas, broth, and aromatic vegetables. Adaptable for a slow cooker, and easily made vegan or vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable broth.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 10 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Natural Release of Steam: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 481 kcal per serving

Want to save this recipe for later?

Enter your email address and we’ll send you this recipe, along with our free digital cookbook featuring 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly cooking tips. Never lose a favorite recipe again!

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Freezer Soup Molds (optional, for easy storage)

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chopped fresh carrots
• 1 cup chopped fresh celery
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (link to product)
• 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed thoroughly but not soaked. (Note: The peas may become slightly sticky when rinsed, which is normal.) (link to product)
• 1.5 pounds of ham hocks (Alternatively, use 2 cups cubed ham or a smoked turkey leg/wing for variation)
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Ham Base (optional, for enhanced flavor in addition to broth) (link to product)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (link to product)
• 1 bay leaf (link to product)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Activate the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the olive oil, chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent and the aromatics are fragrant. If using cubed ham, add it during this step to brown it slightly.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, rinsed split peas, ham hocks (or alternative meat), thyme, bay leaf, and the optional Better Than Bouillon ham base. Season with an initial amount of salt and pepper. Stir all ingredients well to combine, ensuring nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting (High Pressure) and set the timer for 15 minutes.
4. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. This is crucial for developing the soup’s creamy texture and flavor. After 15 minutes, carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
5. Remove Bones & Shred Meat: Open the pot. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Take out the ham hocks (or turkey leg/wing bones). Shred any meat from the bones and return the tender meat to the soup.
6. Stir & Serve: Stir the soup thoroughly until it achieves a creamy, uniform consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) as needed. The soup will thicken further as it cools. Serve hot in bowls.

Video

A video tutorial for this recipe will be available here soon! In the meantime, you can follow the detailed instructions above.

Notes from the Chef

• Meat Variations: Feel free to customize the protein! While traditional with ham hocks or a ham bone, you can also use cubed ham, crispy bacon (sautéed first in the Instant Pot), or smoked sausage. Smoked turkey legs or wings are also excellent, leaner alternatives that still provide a rich, smoky flavor.
• Adding Potatoes: If you desire potatoes in your soup, peel and cube them, then cook them separately for about 5 minutes in a separate Instant Pot or on the stovetop before stirring into the finished soup to prevent them from becoming overcooked mush.
• Broth Alternative: For an intense flavor boost, combine 5 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon base (ham or chicken flavor) instead of using pre-made broth. Adjust to taste.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: To make this soup plant-based, simply omit all meat and ensure you use vegetable broth as your liquid. A pinch of smoked paprika can add back some smoky depth.
• Slow Cooker Method: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still enjoy this soup using a slow cooker. Sauté aromatics on the stove (optional), then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours until the peas are tender.
• Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1 bowl

Calories: 481 kcal

Carbohydrates: 30 g

Protein: 42 g

Fat: 19 g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Tried this recipe? Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Check out our videos!

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!