Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Dried split peas: These are the base of the soup, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor.

Ham bone: Adds depth and a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. If unavailable, use diced ham.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the soup.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.

Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.

Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and enhances the soup's flavor.

Chicken broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, adding a savory depth.

Dried thyme: Adds a hint of herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.

When preparing split peas, ensure they are thoroughly rinsed under cold water to remove any debris or dust. This step is crucial for achieving a clean and smooth texture in your soup. Additionally, when using a ham bone, make sure to scrape off any remaining meat after cooking to maximize flavor and reduce waste. For a richer taste, consider sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting before adding the remaining ingredients. This will help to deepen the flavors and add a subtle caramelized note to your split pea and ham soup.

• dried split peas - Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils have a similar texture and cook time, making them a good alternative for split peas.

• ham bone - Substitute with smoked turkey leg: Smoked turkey leg provides a similar smoky flavor and richness to the soup.

• diced ham - Substitute with bacon: Bacon adds a similar salty and smoky flavor to the soup.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a similar aromatic quality and can enhance the flavor profile of the soup.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that works well in soups.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a subtle anise flavor and similar texture to the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano provides a different but complementary herbal note to the soup.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of umami flavor and saltiness to the soup.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
• Transfer the split pea and ham soup to airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and improve after a day or two.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper before serving to enhance the flavors.

• For stovetop reheating, pour the split pea and ham soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
• If using a microwave, transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adjust the time as needed until the soup is thoroughly heated.
• For those with an Instant Pot, you can use the sauté function. Pour the leftover soup back into the pot and set it to sauté on low. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through. This method helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.
• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method is great for reheating larger quantities.
• For a slow cooker, transfer the split pea and ham soup to the slow cooker and set it to low. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the soup is warmed to your liking. This is perfect for a hands-off approach.

• Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker used to cook the soup quickly and efficiently.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the correct amount of chicken broth and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the thyme, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Colander: Used to rinse the split peas under cold water.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping vegetables and ham.

• Mixing spoon: Used to stir the soup before serving.

• Ladle: Helps to serve the hot soup into bowls.

• Tongs: Useful for removing the ham bone from the soup.

• Bowl: Used to hold the chopped ham after removing it from the bone.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery the night before to save time.

Use pre-diced ham: Buy pre-diced ham to skip the step of chopping it yourself.

Rinse peas quickly: Use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse the split peas under cold water in seconds.

Instant pot settings: Familiarize yourself with your Instant Pot settings to quickly set it to high pressure.

Natural release: While the pressure releases naturally, use that time to clean up or prepare side dishes.