Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Dried split peas: These are green legumes that soften and break down during cooking, making the soup creamy and thick.

Diced ham: Adds a smoky, salty flavor and some protein to the soup.

Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor when sautéed.

Garlic: Adds a little punch and depth to the soup’s taste.

Carrots: Give a mild sweetness and a bit of texture.

Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and crunch before cooking.

Chicken broth: The liquid base that brings all the flavors together.

Dried thyme: A herb that adds a subtle earthiness to the soup.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and spice.

One of the most important steps in this Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe is sautéing the onions and garlic at the very beginning. This step helps build a lot of flavor for the whole soup, so it’s worth taking your time with it. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a little bit of oil—just enough to coat the bottom.
2. When the oil is warm but not smoking, add the chopped onions first. Stir them around so they cook evenly.
3. After a couple of minutes, add the minced garlic. Garlic cooks faster than onions, so adding it later helps prevent burning.
4. Keep stirring every minute or so until the onions look soft and a little see-through, and the garlic smells fragrant.

Doing this step slowly and carefully makes the soup taste richer and more comforting because the natural sweetness of the onions comes out, and the garlic adds a warm, cozy aroma. If you skip this or rush it, the soup might taste a bit flat or raw.

When I first tried this recipe, I was impatient and tossed everything in at once. The onions didn’t soften properly, and the soup missed that deep flavor I was hoping for. Now, I always make sure to sauté the onions and garlic just right—it’s a small step that makes a big difference. Plus, it’s fun to watch the kitchen fill with that amazing smell while you cook!

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

• diced ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey provides a similar smoky flavor and protein content, making it a suitable replacement for ham.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder onion flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the soup.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, similar to carrots, and will add a unique twist to the soup.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a mild anise flavor and a similar crunchy texture, making it a good alternative to celery.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian version of the soup, providing a rich base flavor.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a slightly different herbal note but can complement the flavors in the soup well.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and can add a subtle spiciness without altering the soup's appearance.

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can dilute the flavors and affect the texture.

• For short-term storage, transfer the soup into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its hearty and comforting essence.

• If you plan to enjoy the soup later, freezing is an excellent option. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand as it freezes.

• Label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a cozy meal ready whenever the craving strikes.

• When ready to savor your soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle thawing preserves the texture of the split peas and ham.

• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage.

• For a quick fix, you can also reheat the soup in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

• Enjoy your Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup as if it were freshly made, with all its savory goodness intact.

• For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place your leftover split pea and ham soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If it's not hot enough, continue in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature.

• If you prefer a more traditional approach, reheat the soup on the stovetop. Pour the soup into a saucepan and set it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute the heat evenly. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Heat until steaming and hot throughout, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

• For those who love the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can use the sauté function to reheat your soup. Pour the soup back into the pot and set it to sauté on low. Stir frequently to avoid scorching the bottom. This method is great for maintaining the soup's texture and flavor, taking about 5 minutes to heat thoroughly.

• If you have a slow cooker, this method is perfect for reheating while you go about your day. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and set it on low for 1-2 hours. This gentle reheating method allows the flavors to meld even more, resulting in a deliciously comforting bowl of soup when you're ready to eat.

• Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker that allows you to sauté, pressure cook, and keep food warm, making it ideal for preparing soups quickly and efficiently.

• Sauté function: A feature on the Instant Pot that allows you to cook ingredients directly in the pot before pressure cooking, eliminating the need for additional pans.

• Lid: The cover for the Instant Pot that seals in steam and pressure, essential for pressure cooking.

• Pressure release valve: A mechanism on the Instant Pot lid that allows you to safely release steam and pressure after cooking.

• Measuring cup: A tool used to measure the volume of ingredients like chicken broth, ensuring accurate quantities for the recipe.

• Knife: A sharp tool used for chopping and dicing ingredients such as onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.

• Cutting board: A flat surface used to safely chop and prepare ingredients before cooking.

• Wooden spoon: A utensil used for stirring ingredients in the Instant Pot, helping to combine them evenly.

• Ladle: A deep-bowled spoon used for serving the soup once it's cooked.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure small quantities of ingredients like thyme, salt, and pepper.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare and chop the onions, carrots, and celery in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for quick access.

Use pre-diced ham: Purchase diced ham from the store to save time on cutting.

Rinse split peas: Quickly rinse the split peas under cold water before cooking to remove any debris.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Instant pot presets: Familiarize yourself with your Instant Pot settings to streamline the cooking process.