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Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham is a hearty, quick recipe perfected over 6 years. Enjoy a comforting, delicious meal using leftover ham bone.
My husband always had fond memories of split pea soup, but honestly, the look and thought of it always made me cringe. I had no idea why people were splitting peas, let alone making soup out of them. Well, one winter day I was looking for ways to use up a ham bone and got a wild hair to try out a split pea soup recipe. Much to my amazement, it was pretty good! I have now spent the last 6ish years perfecting this recipe and tweaking it so that it can be cooked quickly in the Instant Pot. This is now one of my favorite ways to use up a ham bone, as well as one of my go-to meals on a busy day.
What is Instant Pot Split Pea Soup?
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham is a hearty, comforting soup made with split peas, chicken broth, a ham bone, carrots, celery, onion, butter, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. It’s a quick and easy recipe that makes great use of leftover ham, all cooked up fast in the Instant Pot for maximum flavor. You’ve got to try this one if you’re into soup recipes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfected over 6 years: This recipe has been fine-tuned over six years, ensuring a delicious, well-balanced flavor.
Quick and easy: It’s made with the Instant Pot, which means it’s a fast and convenient meal for those busy days.
Great use of leftovers: It’s a fantastic way to use up a leftover ham bone, adding extra depth to the soup.
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
How to Make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham
Prep directions:
- Dice onion, chop celery, and chop carrots. If making later, put the veggies in a sealed container or bag and refrigerate.
- Rinse and sort peas. Place in a bowl and set aside.
45 minutes before you plan to serve dinner:
- Turn the pressure cooker to “saute.” Add butter, onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until slightly softened.
- Add split peas, chicken broth, ham bone, diced ham if desired, and 2 bay leaves. Turn off the “saute” function.
- Cover the pressure cooker and turn the knob to sealing. Set to manual, high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow pressure to naturally release for 10–15 minutes. Then do a quick release of the remaining pressure.
- Remove the ham bone and the bay leaves. Add any meat stuck to the bone back in.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Your broth may have made this unnecessary.
How to Store
After cooling to room temperature, store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze it in freezer-safe containers for longer storage. This is one of those soups that tastes even better the next day!
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Both green and yellow split peas work well. Green split peas give the classic soup look, while yellow split peas offer a slightly sweeter flavor. Both are available at most grocery stores. The Instant Pot speeds things up and makes for really quick cooking, but this recipe works just as well in a slow cooker or even on the stovetop if you prefer a longer, more traditional cooking time.
Experiment with different broths like vegetable broth, chicken stock, or a mix of both. And to make a vegetarian split pea soup, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth or vegetable stock, and leave out the ham. You’ll still have a hearty soup by relying on the green or yellow split peas and various vegetables like red bell pepper or sweet potatoes for depth.
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Easy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham {Pressure Cooker}
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham is a hearty, quick recipe perfected over 6 years. Enjoy a comforting, delicious meal using leftover ham bone.
Ingredients
Prep bin:
- 1 onion
- 1 lb. split peas
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
Defrost:
- 1 ham bone (pre-cooked)
- Some extra cooked diced ham if there isn't much left on the bone.
Pull out same day:
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 3 T butter
- salt and pepper, as needed
Instructions
Prep directions:
- Dice onion, chop celery, and chop carrots. If making later, put the veggies in a sealed container or bag and refrigerate.
- Rinse and sort peas. Place in a bowl and set aside.
45 minutes before you plan to serve dinner:
- Turn the pressure cooker to "saute." Add butter, onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until slightly softened.
- Add split peas, chicken broth, ham bone, diced ham if desired, and 2 bay leaves. Turn off the "saute" function.
- Cover the pressure cooker and turn the knob to sealing. Set to manual, high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow pressure to naturally release for 10–15 minutes. Then do a quick release of the remaining pressure.
- Remove the ham bone and the bay leaves. Add any meat stuck to the bone back in.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Your broth may have made this unnecessary.
Notes
How to Store
After cooling to room temperature, store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze it in freezer-safe containers for longer storage. This is one of those soups that tastes even better the next day!
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Both green and yellow split peas work well. Green split peas give the classic soup look, while yellow split peas offer a slightly sweeter flavor. Both are available at most grocery stores. The Instant Pot speeds things up and makes for really quick cooking, but this recipe works just as well in a slow cooker or even on the stovetop if you prefer a longer, more traditional cooking time.
- Experiment with different broths like vegetable broth, chicken stock, or a mix of both. And to make a vegetarian split pea soup, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth or vegetable stock, and leave out the ham. You'll still have a hearty soup by relying on the green or yellow split peas and various vegetables like red bell pepper or sweet potatoes for depth.
FAQs
Are there carbs in split pea soup?
Yes, split pea soup contains carbohydrates. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked split peas typically provides about 21.1 grams of carbohydrates, which includes 8.3 grams of fiber and only 2.9 grams of sugar. These complex carbs provide sustained energy and contribute to the overall heartiness of the soup.
Is split pea soup healthy for diabetics?
Split pea soup can be a healthy option for people with diabetes. The high fiber content in split peas helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, providing a steady supply of energy without causing blood sugar spikes. The low glycemic load of split peas (around 10) makes them a diabetes-friendly food.
Is split pea soup healthy?
Split pea soup offers nutrients like protein, fiber, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It’s known for lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and even lowering the risk of certain cancers. The high fiber content also promotes healthy digestion and supports weight management. Just be mindful of sodium levels, especially if you’re using canned peas or ham, as these can add extra salt to the dish.
Is split pea soup keto-friendly?
Split pea soup is not typically keto-friendly due to its relatively high carbohydrate content. With about 21 grams of carbs per serving, it’s not ideal for those following a strict keto diet, which limits carb intake.
What do you serve with split pea soup?
Split pea soup pairs well with a variety of sides like crusty bread, a light salad, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, you could serve it with sandwiches, such as grilled cheese or ham, to complement the flavors of the soup.
Did you make this recipe?
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