If you have some leftovers, making a soup is always a good idea. In springtime, you can reuse peas to make this easy recipe, together with ham and some fresh herbs.
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is suitable for any meal, both at home or in your lunchbox at the office and it is ready in less than 30 minutes, thanks to your pressure cooker, that will speed up the process.
Who said simple things cannot be exquisite like restaurant dishes? This is a great entree soup for Christmas and any special dinner :]
Table of Contents
Do I Need to Soak the Split Peas Overnight?
Yes—this Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup recipe requires that the split peas are soaked overnight, or for at least 6 hours prior to cooking. Pre-soaking significantly reduces the cooking time.
If you forget to soak the split peas overnight, don’t fret! This recipe should still work. Just increase the cooking time to 30 minutes and add a little extra broth to account for the extra liquid they might absorb.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For this recipe, opt for a thick ham steak rather than deli ham. Feel free to order a slab of ham at the deli counter.
You can also use ham lag as I used for the Instant Pot Glazed Ham recipe.
Can I Use Dried Thyme Instead of Fresh?
I prefer fresh thyme here, but you can use dried thyme if that’s what you have. Use 2 teaspoons.
If you are into navy beans, try this Instant Pot ham and beans recipe.
Can I Use Regular Paprika?
Yes, you could, but it has a different flavor. Regular paprika is milder and sweeter than smoked paprika, which is made from smoked peppers and therefore has a nice smoky flavor that compliments the taste of the ham in this soup.
Why Low-Sodium Chicken Broth?
Don’t need absolutely need to use low sodium broth, but the soup will likely turn out too salty for your taste if you use regular store-bought chicken broth that is not low sodium.
Try using Instant Pot Bone Broth in this recipe!
We chose chicken broth here to best compliment the flavors of the ham. Beef broth would be too dark of a color and too overpowering. Normally recipes call for broth made of the same meat that is used in the recipe, but ham broth is hard to come by.
How To Serve?
You can serve as is for an amazing dinner.
If you need more ideas, check out What to Serve With Split Pea Soup for delicious side dishes.
Can You Substitute Olive Oil?
You can substitute the olive oil with vegetable oil or any other neutral cooking oil. I like to use 2 tablespoons bacon fat instead of olive oil. It adds a little extra smoky pork flavor that I just love in this split pea and ham soup recipe!
Delicious Instant Pot soup recipes
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham
Ingredients
- 1 lb split peas (already soaked overnight)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups ham diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 onion diced
- 4 bunch fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Pour olive oil into your Instant Pot and add carrots, onion, celery, thyme and bay leaves.
- Press “Sauté” and cook for about 2 minutes (until onion starts to turn golden).
- Add ham and cook for another minute, until it browns a bit.
- Add chicken broth and peas, salt and pepper.
- Cook at high pressure for about 20 minutes.
- Once done, wait for a natural pressure release.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika and serve 🙂
I just dove into growing fresh herbs and have four thyme plants. Being a new herb connoisseur, what does “bunch” mean in your recipe? I’m thinking four sprigs, but then that’s four “sprigs” not “bunches.” Thanks for your help.
Bunch can be confusing, since it can vary so much. A bunch refers to the amount you'd buy at a store or market, which again, varies by location. It really depends on your personal preference, how many herbs you want to add, and what tastes best to you!
Does this soup come out thick.? Some of my recipes say to mash the peas after they have been cooked, I like my soup thick
No, this recipe isn't particularly thick, so that's a great idea. Mash the peas after they are cooked and add them back into the soup to thicken it up.
Can I use a ham bone along with some of the cut up ham?
Definitely! That will add a ton of great flavor!
Yummy yummy goodness thanks
My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it
What are the different pressure releases and what is meant by them? I'm new at this and would like to know more about your terms of cooking with the instant pot.. Thank you for your comments...
Quick pressure release - move the valve to "venting".
Natural pressure release - do nothing and wait for the floating valve to drop.
I am new! Got it for Christmas....sign me up! Split peas soup today..
Anxious to start this as my first instant pot meal.
Hope you will enjoy this meal.