Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup

4.9
(13)

Cooking split peas under pressure makes them nearly instantly creamy. This recipe is very close to a classic split pea soup, but I have the option of cooking with or without a meaty ham bone. If you just have ham, it will be just as great with the combination of celery, carrots, onions, potatoes, and split peas. Get ready for a thick and flavorful broth!

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 ½ tablespoons salted butter

  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 medium carrots, sliced

  • 1 large stalk celery, diced

  • ½ large onion, diced

  • ½ pound diced cooked ham

  • 1 potato, peeled and diced

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 4 cups chicken broth, divided

  • ½ pound dried split peas

  • 2 bay leaves

  • ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or to taste

Directions

  1. Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot), and select Saute function. Add butter and olive oil; heat until butter is melted. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook until onion is nearly translucent, about 3 minutes. Add ham and cook for 1 minute.

  2. Add potato; cook and stir to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot, for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 3 cups chicken broth, split peas, and bay leaves. Turn Saute function off.

  3. Close and lock the lid and seal the valve. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 15 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

  4. Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 to 12 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, 2 to 3 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

  5. Unlock and remove the lid. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired. If soup is too thick, select Saute function and add remaining 1 cup chicken broth. Stir until heated through and desired consistency, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately with Cheddar cheese sprinkled over top.

Recipe Tip

You can use a ham bone or smoked ham hock instead of diced ham. If doing this, add the ham bone when you add the chicken broth, split peas, and bay leaves. After releasing pressure, remove the ham bone, pull all the meat off of it, and return it to the pot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

526 Calories
24g Fat
50g Carbs
29g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 526
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g 30%
Saturated Fat 9g 44%
Cholesterol 57mg 19%
Sodium 2052mg 89%
Total Carbohydrate 50g 18%
Dietary Fiber 17g 61%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 29g 58%
Vitamin C 35mg 39%
Calcium 115mg 9%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 1132mg 24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.