Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Comfort in a Bowl Done in a Flash

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper bowl of comfort? I've got just the thing. This instant pot split pea soup recipe is proper lush. It's so easy and full of flavour.

Brief Overview

Split pea soup is a classic. It's been around for ages, you know? This version uses the Instant Pot. It's quick and easy.

The recipe serves 6-8 people. It is a very easy recipe, you only need around an hour to cook.

Main Benefits

It is packed with fibre and protein. It's a healthy instant pot soup recipe . Ideal for a chilly evening. This soup is special because the pressure cooker split pea soup is ready in minutes.

Okay, now, let's talk ingredients.

First you will need olive oil. Onions, carrots, and celery are next. Then, garlic and smoked ham hock. I love that smoky flavour.

Also, some herbs and broth. Green split peas and a bay leaf, can't forget those. Salt and pepper for seasoning.

A splash of vinegar at the end brightens it up. We can use vegetable broth to make the vegetarian split pea soup instant pot .

You can even use smoked turkey for a twist.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Let's talk ingredients, yeah? Making instant pot split pea soup is easy peasy. You just need the right stuff. Honestly, it's proper comfort food, this is.

It reminds me of my nan's cooking.

Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

Okay, so for our Instant Pot Split Pea Soup , we need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml ) for getting things going.
• 1 large onion, chopped about 1 cup/150g . Nobody likes big onion chunks.
• 2 carrots, chopped roughly 1 cup/120g . Adds a touch of sweetness.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped around 1 cup/100g . Base of flavour!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don't skimp!
• 8 ounces ( 225g ) smoked ham hock or bacon, diced. Smoked is key!
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram.
• 8 cups ( 2 liters ) chicken broth or vegetable broth. I prefer chicken, but each to their own.
• 1 pound ( 450g ) dried green split peas, rinsed. Gotta rinse 'em!
• 1 bay leaf. Can't forget this classic ingredient!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Seasoning is king.

Quality check: For the ham hock or bacon, find something with good marbling. This means streaks of fat. That fat renders and adds amazing flavour to your instant pot split pea soup .

Smoked Ham Hock Split Pea Soup Instant Pot is one way to bring a smokey flavor to the soup.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Thyme and marjoram is a classic combo. It just works. For a vegetarian split pea soup instant pot , a dash of smoked paprika will add a lovely smokiness.

Quick substitution? Italian seasoning works a treat if you're missing one or the other.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger). Obviously!
• Cutting board and knife. Basic stuff.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Get those measurements spot on.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. To stir without scratching.

Don't have an Instant Pot? A pressure cooker does the same job! If you are looking for Easy Instant Pot Soup Recipes , this is a great one.

So, there you have it! All the bits and bobs you'll need to make a cracking instant pot split pea soup . Next up, we'll dive into the cooking process. Get ready!

Cooking Method: Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Simplified

Oh my gosh, let's talk Instant Pot Split Pea Soup . This is total comfort food. And it's super easy. You know? This recipe is quicker than the traditional stovetop method.

Think Mary Berry saying, "That's a lovely bit of soup!"

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, the mise en place . It's just fancy for getting organised. Chop your veggies. Dice the ham or bacon. Measure out your broth and spices.

Rinsing the split peas is essential to remove debris. And don't forget that essential rinse before you start .

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Sauté your aromatics. Put the Instant Pot on "Sauté". Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes .
2. Brown the ham. Add diced ham or bacon. Cook until browned.
3. Add the rest. Throw in thyme, marjoram, broth, peas, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pressure cook it. Secure the lid. Cook on "Manual" for 20 minutes at high pressure.
5. Release the pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes .
6. Blend. Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender if you want.
7. Season. Taste. Add salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice.
8. Serve up your Quick Split Pea Soup Recipe.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Firstly, don't skip the sauté. It deepens the flavors. A natural pressure release is better. It helps the peas cook evenly.

Add a splash of acid. Lemon juice or vinegar brightens the soup. And if the soup is too thick, add more broth.

If it is too thin, simmer it on the "Sauté" setting. This instant pot split pea soup recipe is a total winner!

Recipe Notes for Your Best Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Right then, let's talk about making this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup absolutely banging. Honestly, it's already pretty foolproof, but a few tips can elevate it to "Mary Berry would be proud" level.

Serving Like a Pro

Presentation matters, doesn't it? I like to swirl a little cream on top. A sprig of fresh thyme looks posh, too.

Serve with some crusty bread for dunking. A side salad cuts through the richness. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette is just the ticket.

Want to go full-on comfort? Grilled cheese soldiers are your friend.

Storage Secrets

Leftovers are your friend! This soup tastes even better the next day. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for 3-4 days . Fancy batch cooking? This freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer bags or containers. It keeps for up to 3 months .

Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the hob or in the microwave. Make sure it's piping hot!

Twists and Tweaks

Want a Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Instant Pot recipe? Easy peasy! Just skip the ham. Use vegetable broth for loads of flavour.

A dash of smoked paprika gives that smoky vibe. Feeling adventurous? Use different veg. Parsnips or sweet potatoes add sweetness.

Nutrition Nuggets

This soup is secretly good for you. It's packed with fiber and protein. Roughly speaking, you're looking at 300-350 calories per serving.

It helps keep you full and satisfied. Did you know split peas are a great source of iron? It's like a hug in a bowl, but healthy! A lot of recipes show that Easy Instant Pot Soup Recipes like this help to have a healthy and quick option to your weekly diet.

There you have it! Your guide to the ultimate Instant Pot Split Pea Soup experience. You can transform this simple soup into something truly special. Now go on, get cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make instant pot split pea soup without ham or bacon? I'm trying to go veggie, you know?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian instant pot split pea soup, simply omit the ham or bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a smoky flavour that mimics the ham, add about 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. It'll be just as comforting as a hug from your nan!

How long does instant pot split pea soup last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Your leftover split pea soup will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It freezes beautifully too! Just portion it out into freezer safe containers or bags and it will last for up to 3 months.

Remember to leave a little space in the containers as liquids expand when frozen, bit like when you overfill your pint!

My instant pot split pea soup turned out too thick. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Don't fret, this happens to the best of us! Split peas are very good at soaking up liquid. If your soup is too thick, simply add more broth (chicken or vegetable) to the Instant Pot and stir it in.

Then, set the Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting and simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Think of it as a liquid adjustment good as new!

Do I need to soak the split peas before making instant pot split pea soup?

Nope, no pre-soaking is needed for this recipe, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot! Just give the split peas a good rinse under cold water before adding them to the pot to remove any debris. This helps to reduce foam during cooking, and saves you a lot of time. Just like that, bish, bash, bosh, done!

Can I add other vegetables to my instant pot split pea soup?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add other veggies you enjoy. Potatoes, parsnips, and even greens like spinach or kale work well. Just add them along with the other vegetables in the beginning, or stir the greens in at the very end so they don't overcook. It's your soup, make it your masterpiece, chef!

What's the best way to get that classic smoky flavor in my instant pot split pea soup?

The smoky flavour in instant pot split pea soup primarily comes from the ham hock or bacon, but you can layer even more smoky goodness. Using smoked bacon instead of regular is a great start. Another option is to add a dash of liquid smoke (be careful, a little goes a long way!) or smoked paprika to the soup.

It's all about that deep, savoury flavour that makes this soup so comforting.