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Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Nothing says cozy winter dinner quite like a big bowl of hearty split pea soup! This stick-to-your-ribs classic is loaded with ham, veggies, and tender split peas that practically melt in your mouth. Best part? Your Instant Pot does all the work, and there's no need to soak the peas overnight—just dump and go!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dried green split peas rinsed
  • 1 lb ham diced (or use a ham bone with meat)
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 medium carrots diced
  • 3 celery stalks diced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Turn off sauté mode. Add the rinsed split peas, diced ham, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  5. When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  6. Open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Stir the soup well—it should be thick and creamy. If using a ham bone, remove it and shred any meat off before returning it to the soup.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.