So, you’re craving something hearty and cozy but don’t want to babysit a pot for hours? Say hello to Instant Pot split pea soup—the comfort food you can make without even breaking a sweat. Honestly, this soup is like a warm hug from your favorite grandma, minus the guilt trip about why you don’t call more often.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, it’s idiot-proof. I mean, split peas basically cook themselves in the Instant Pot. You dump stuff in, press a button, and in less than an hour you’ve got a big pot of creamy, flavorful soup that tastes like you actually put in effort. Spoiler: you didn’t.
Second, it’s ridiculously budget-friendly. Split peas are cheap, filling, and don’t require a degree in culinary arts to handle. Add in a few veggies, some broth, and maybe a smoked ham hock or bacon if you’re feeling fancy, and you’ve got a meal that could feed a small army. Or just you—no judgment if you “accidentally” eat three bowls in one sitting.
And let’s not forget—it’s freezer-friendly. Make a batch now, stash some away, and thank your past self later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound dried split peas (green or yellow—dealer’s choice)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (aka: tear-inducer)
- 2 carrots, diced (orange veggie goodness)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (because soup isn’t soup without celery, apparently)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (flavor MVP)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (go veggie if you want it meatless)
- 1 bay leaf (adds flavor magic, but don’t eat it—seriously)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you’re extra)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust later if you’re spice-obsessed)
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced ham (optional but adds epic smoky flavor)
- Salt to taste (but wait until the end—ham can be salty enough)
Optional toppings: croutons, fresh parsley, or a swirl of cream if you’re feeling bougie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse split peas in a colander to get rid of any weird bits. Nobody wants gravel in their soup.
- Toss peas, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and ham into your Instant Pot. Stir it all together like you’re about to win a cooking show.
- Close the lid, set the vent to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Yep, just 15 minutes. Peas are magical like that.
- Let the pressure release naturally for about 10–15 minutes. Translation: go binge an episode of your favorite show.
- Open the lid, remove the bay leaf (important unless you like eating tree leaves), and give it a good stir. If you want it creamier, use an immersion blender for a few pulses.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with toppings of choice. Bonus points if you’ve got crusty bread to dunk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not rinsing the peas. You’ll risk extra starch and random debris. Just rinse.
- Over-seasoning early. Ham adds salt—wait until the end to adjust.
- Forgetting the bay leaf. Yes, it matters. And yes, you’ll regret chewing it.
- Over-blending. Unless you’re into green baby food vibes, keep it slightly chunky.
- Opening the lid too soon. Pressure release is part of the magic—don’t rush it.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No ham? Add smoked paprika for that “smoky vibe” without the meat.
- Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end.
- Gluten-free dunking? Skip bread and use roasted sweet potato wedges as your “soup spoon.”
- Extra veggies? Toss in potatoes, parsnips, or even kale if you want to feel virtuous.
- Vegan version? Just skip the ham and go heavy on the spices—cumin and paprika do wonders.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need to soak split peas first?
Nope. Split peas are the rebels of the legume world. No soaking required.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just leave out cream (if using) until reheating.
Why is my soup too thick?
Split peas thicken as they cool. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Sure, but you’ll need to simmer it on the stovetop for about an hour. The Instant Pot just saves you time (and sanity).
Is it healthy?
Yes—high fiber, high protein, and loaded with veggies. Just don’t count the bread you dunk into it.
Green or yellow split peas?
Either works. Green gives a stronger flavor, yellow is milder. Both are delicious.
Can I skip the garlic?
Technically yes, but then why would you want soup that tastes like sadness?
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot split pea soup is one of those magical recipes that takes minimal effort but gives maximum comfort. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to please meat-eaters, vegetarians, and even picky eaters who claim they “don’t like peas.”
So plug in that Instant Pot, toss in your ingredients, and let it do the work. You’ll end up with a pot of creamy, smoky, soul-warming soup that makes you look like you tried way harder than you actually did. Go ahead—grab that crusty bread and make it a meal worth bragging about.