There’s something about the smell of soup simmering on the stove, especially when it’s a cozy, hearty, and comforting bowl like Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone. This classic dish has been around for generations, offering a delicious way to use up leftovers while creating a rich, flavorful meal. And, when you make it in an Instant Pot, it takes the waiting game out of the equation, getting you to that warm, velvety bowl in record time.
The Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone is one of those perfect recipes that balances convenience and taste. It’s packed with tender split peas, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables, all cooked together to create a thick, creamy soup that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or prepping a meal for the week ahead, this dish has you covered.
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham Bone Recipe
This recipe brings together the ease of the Instant Pot and the goodness of split peas and ham, turning them into a flavor-packed, comforting soup in less than two hours. The ham bone is key here-it gives the soup that smoky depth that really elevates the dish.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into cooking, let’s take a look at what you’ll need. This is a hearty recipe, so gather up these basic ingredients to get started.
- 1 Ham Bone (with some leftover ham on it if you have it; if not, any ham steak works)
- 2 cups Split Peas (rinsed, check for debris)
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2 Carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 3 Celery Stalks (chopped)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 teaspoon Thyme (dried, or use fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (for a bit of tang)
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. With the Instant Pot, you’re cutting the cooking time down significantly compared to traditional methods, but you still get that deep, rich flavor.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Set your Instant Pot to ’Sauté’ mode and add the olive oil.
- Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just until fragrant.
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Add The Ham Bone And Broth
- Push the veggies to the sides of the pot and place the ham bone in the center.
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ham bone is covered. If not, add a bit more broth or water to ensure it’s submerged.
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Add The Seasonings
- Toss in the split peas, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.
- Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to High Pressure for 25 minutes.
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Pressure Cook
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
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Finish The Soup
- Carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Use a fork to shred the ham off the bone, discarding the bone and any tough pieces of fat.
- Return the shredded ham to the soup and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (sometimes it needs a little extra salt).
- If you like a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency. Or, leave it chunky for more texture!
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Serve And Enjoy
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a squeeze of apple cider vinegar if you like a tangy twist. Pair it with some crusty bread and a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the key ingredients in your soup can really elevate the dish. Here are some insights into the ingredients you’re working with:
- Split Peas: These are the heart of the soup, giving it that thick, creamy texture. Green split peas are commonly used for a slightly milder flavor, while yellow split peas offer a more earthy flavor. Both are high in fiber and protein, making this soup a nutritious option.
- Ham Bone: The ham bone provides a deep, smoky flavor that infuses the broth with richness. If you’re using leftover ham, be sure to keep the bone, as it’s a treasure trove of flavor. For vegetarians, a smoky tempeh or vegetable broth could serve as a substitute, though you’ll miss out on that signature ham flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This adds a savory base for the soup, complementing the split peas and ham. You can use vegetable broth for a meat-free option, but chicken broth generally gives a heartier base.
- Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic): These classic aromatics serve as the backbone of the soup, contributing sweetness and depth to balance out the earthiness of the peas and the smokiness of the ham.
Expert Tips
To make sure your Instant Pot Split Pea Soup turns out perfectly, here are some expert tips:
- Don’t skip the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables before pressure cooking builds layers of flavor that you wouldn’t get if you just tossed everything in the pot. It takes a few extra minutes but makes a big difference.
- Use leftover ham: If you have a ham roast or spiral ham, save the bone after dinner. The flavor it imparts to the soup is unmatched.
- Check the consistency: Split pea soup thickens as it sits. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Season carefully: Ham can be salty, so adjust your salt and seasoning at the end of cooking. Taste it first before adding more.
- Instant Pot Altitude Adjustment: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time due to differences in pressure cooking times.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a ton of ways you can customize your split pea soup. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Vegetarian Split Pea Soup: Leave out the ham bone and instead use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to get that smoky flavor. You could also add a protein like lentils or tempeh to make the soup heartier.
- Spicy Split Pea Soup: Add a kick by incorporating cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You could also throw in a chopped jalapeño during the sauté phase for extra heat.
- Creamy Split Pea Soup: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end, or blend part of the soup with an immersion blender to create a smooth base.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Zucchini, sweet potatoes, or spinach can be great additions. Just chop them up and throw them in with the other veggies to cook.
Final Words
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone is everything you want in a comfort food: filling, rich, and totally satisfying. The combination of the ham bone, split peas, and vegetables creates a well-rounded, deeply savory dish that is as perfect for cold nights as it is for meal prepping. Plus, with the Instant Pot, you get to skip hours of stovetop simmering and get to enjoy a deeply flavorful soup in a fraction of the time.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With A Ham Bone?
To make Instant Pot split pea soup with a ham bone, you will need: 1 lb dried split peas, 1 ham bone (with some meat on it), 1 large onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 3 carrots (peeled and chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 6 cups of chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 bay leaf.
How Do I Prepare The Ham Bone For The Instant Pot Split Pea Soup?
The ham bone should be rinsed under cold water to remove any residual salt or packaging material. If there is excess fat, you can trim it off before adding it to the Instant Pot.
Can I Use Ham Hocks Instead Of A Ham Bone For Split Pea Soup?
Yes, ham hocks can be used as a substitute for the ham bone. They will impart a similar flavor, though the meat-to-bone ratio may vary.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With A Ham Bone?
In the Instant Pot, the soup typically cooks under high pressure for 15-20 minutes. Afterward, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Do I Need To Soak The Split Peas Before Making Soup In The Instant Pot?
No, you do not need to soak the split peas before cooking them in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking method softens them quickly, making soaking unnecessary.
Can I Use A Bone-in Ham Steak Instead Of A Ham Bone In The Recipe?
Yes, you can use a bone-in ham steak as a substitute for the ham bone. Just be sure to cut it into smaller pieces to fit in the Instant Pot.
What Can I Use As A Substitute For Chicken Broth In This Recipe?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use water with added seasoning (like bouillon cubes or powders) to create your own broth flavor.
What Are Some Seasoning Variations I Can Add To Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham Bone?
For additional flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne pepper for heat, or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess. Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can also be added for extra depth.
How Can I Thicken The Soup If It’s Too Watery?
If the soup is too watery after cooking, you can either blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender to thicken it, or you can simmer the soup without the lid for a few minutes on the ’Saute’ function until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Can I Freeze Instant Pot Split Pea Soup With Ham Bone?
Yes, split pea soup with ham bone freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.