Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Dried split peas: These are the main ingredient, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor to the soup.

Ham: Adds a savory and smoky taste, complementing the split peas perfectly.

Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup.

Garlic: Adds depth and a hint of pungency to the flavor profile.

Carrots: Contribute sweetness and a slight crunch to the soup.

Celery: Adds a subtle bitterness and enhances the overall flavor.

Chicken broth: Serves as the liquid base, infusing the soup with rich, savory notes.

Dried thyme: Brings a touch of herbal warmth and complexity.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and balances the flavors.

When preparing split peas, it's crucial to rinse and sort them thoroughly to remove any debris or small stones. This ensures a clean and smooth soup. Additionally, when using an Instant Pot, make sure to chop the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking. For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil directly in the pot before adding the rest of the ingredients. This step can enhance the depth of flavor in your split pea and ham soup.

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

• diced ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey provides a similar smoky flavor and meaty texture.

• large onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that complements the soup well.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a subtle garlic flavor and add a bit of sweetness.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunch and a mild anise flavor that can enhance the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a different but complementary herbal note.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of flavor and umami, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the soup.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and can add a subtle complexity.

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
• Transfer the split pea and ham soup to airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The cool environment will keep the flavors intact and prevent spoilage.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup's consistency.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Adjust the seasoning after reheating, as flavors can mellow during storage. A pinch of salt or black pepper can revive the taste.
• Enjoy your Instant Pot split pea and ham soup hot, savoring the comforting blend of ham, split peas, and aromatic vegetables.

• Instant Pot: An electric pressure cooker that speeds up the cooking process and allows for even cooking of the split pea and ham soup.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the dried split peas and chicken broth.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring out the thyme, salt, and black pepper.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and dicing the ham.

• Garlic press: A tool to efficiently mince the garlic cloves.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the soup after it has cooked.

• Ladle: Used to serve the hot soup into bowls.

• Bowls: For serving the soup once it is ready.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare the onion, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-diced ham: Save time by purchasing diced ham from the store.

Rinse peas quickly: Use a colander to rinse and sort the split peas efficiently.

Instant pot prep: Measure and set aside all ingredients before starting to cook.

Natural release: While the pressure releases, use the time to clean up or prepare garnishes.