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Creamy Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup

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A quick and easy comforting soup made in the Instant Pot with split peas, smoky ham, and vegetables, delivering a creamy texture without cream or thickeners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 smoked ham bone with some meat on it
  • 1 cup (150g) diced cooked ham
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (added at the end)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse and sort the split peas to remove any debris. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Dice the cooked ham, setting aside the ham bone.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter, then sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic last and cook for 30 seconds more.
  3. Add the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, diced ham, ham bone, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring peas are submerged.
  4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 30 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
  5. Remove the ham bone and bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup directly in the pot, leaving some texture intact. Alternatively, mash some peas with a spoon for a rustic finish.
  6. Stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add broth or water if soup is too thick.
  7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Notes

Natural pressure release is important to avoid pea explosion. Blending half the soup creates a creamy texture without cream. Use leftover ham or smoked ham bone for best flavor. Adjust thickness with broth or water as needed. Vinegar or lemon juice added at the end brightens flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: split pea soup, ham soup, Instant Pot soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, pressure cooker soup

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/creamy-instant-pot-split-pea-and-ham-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/