So much of what I love about winter soups is that they don’t need to be fussy to warm the soul. In fact, the more humble and simple, the better! It just means that it can still be extremely delicious and satisfying while also being quick and easy without the need for fancy ingredients. Thanks to the Instant Pot, there are no long simmering times at the stove! It’s the perfect, nutrient-rich way to ground yourself throughout the holidays when you’ve overdone it on desserts. Or you need a quick go-to for those busier times when you just can’t think about preparing another big meal!
One-Pot Soup For the Win
Making a wholesome split pea soup in the Instant Pot means a one-pot meal idea that is essentially hands-off once that pressure starts to build. Pressure cooking adds a ton of flavor to whatever you’re making in a fraction of the time, which is why my lentil soup, tortellini soup, and chicken gnocchi soup are so popular! This recipe is a great way to use up already cooked leftover ham, and so easy just to throw it in at the end. It’s also flexible in that, although it does give a slightly salty, smoky beautiful infusion of flavor and added texture, it’s definitely not a must. If you want to make a delicious vegetarian version, skip the ham altogether. Infused in all the surrounding herbs and spices, a bowl of this cozy comfort split pea with ham bone soup served with a basket of crusty bread is everything you need to warm you up on a cold day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Used
Here’s what you’ll need to make this soup: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Split peas – I typically use green split peas just because they have a lower starch content than yellow split peas. They’re also a bit sweeter which is nice, but you use what you have. There’s no need to presoak them as they cook quickly, but do rinse them well!Olive oil – Needed to saute the mirepoix initially before adding the garlic. Olive oil is great for this as it is an oil that has a high smoke point but a mild flavor.Aromatics – Onions, garlic, bay leaves all add incredible flavor to this soup. The peas and ham on their own are already super flavorful, but the addition of aromatics brings it up a notch.Veggies – Carrots and celery are common ingredients in split pea soup. They add flavor, but also nice chunky, tender textures. The pop of orange adds a nice color to the presentation!Chicken stock – Use homemade, or storebought chicken broth or stock. If aiming to make this a vegetarian dish, opt for vegetable stock or broth instead.Ham hock – I love adding smoked ham to this soup. The smoky flavor goes so well with the subtle sweet note from the peas. You can also use one meaty hambone or diced ham. Use leftover ham if you have some!Salt and pepper – A light seasoning of kosher salt and pepper to taste is really all this soup needs to round out the recipe.Lemon juice and wedges – The lemon juice is added at the end. The zesty citrus gives it a lovely finish. Keep some lemon wedges for serving.Garnish – Chopped fresh parsley is a nice finishing touch.
How to Make It
Tips & Tricks
The right tools and appliances. This soup is by no means complicated, but being prepared with all of the right gadgets can make all the difference in the world, especially for beginner home cooks. These magnetic measuring cups and spoons are some of my favorite things in the kitchen, not only for delicious Instant Pot recipes but for all recipes!Choose the right size Instant Pot for your family. A 6 quart will suffice for serving up to 6 people, generally with minimal leftovers. An 8 quart will feed the same with leftovers, or a bit more. A 3 quart is quite a bit smaller but great for making yogurt, rice, and a dinner for 1 or 2!If you choose to use yellow peas, keep in mind they are higher in starch, although milder in flavor. The consistency and texture of your soup may be slightly different, and you might need a little more liquid.No need to blend your soup afterward. The split peas cook down enough to become mushy all on their own. Use whatever ham you like. I love smoked ham. Some people even go so far as to use bacon or pancetta. You can even use a combination of different types of ham. It’s customizable, so you do as you like!Make this a vegan soup by omitting the meat altogether and using vegetable broth or stock. Add a little liquid smoke to get the missing smoky flavor if desired.
What to Serve with Split Pea and Ham Soup
Soup and salad: You can never go wrong with this combo for lunch. Try a shaved brussel sprout salad or an easy chicken salad recipe. With a side of Crusty bread (my fave) or vegan cornbread or these Texas Roadhouse rolls for a change. Top off your soup with A few crispy homemade croutons or make a larger meal out of it with a Reuben sandwich, chicken tenders, or a tuna melt on the side. I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does! It’s an old-fashioned classic made with a modern Instant Pot twist so don’t forget to share with others who are looking for new easy Instant Pot recipes! © Little Sunny Kitchen
