Hearty & Easy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham and Bacon
Craving a deeply flavorful and comforting soup that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than this incredible **Instant Pot Split Pea Soup** recipe. Ready in a mere 35 minutes, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering the rich, smoky flavors of ham and bacon perfectly mingled with tender split peas and fresh vegetables. This isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, designed to be both delicious and incredibly convenient.
Why This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a testament to how modern kitchen appliances can transform classic dishes into quick, achievable meals. Here’s why this **Instant Pot Split Pea Soup** stands out:
- Unbeatable Speed: Traditionally, split pea soup requires hours of simmering on the stovetop to achieve that desirable creamy consistency and tender peas. Thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker, this recipe slashes the cook time dramatically, delivering rich, fully developed flavors in just 35 minutes of active cooking. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you need a wholesome meal without the long wait.
- Deep Flavor Profile: The combination of smoked ham, crispy bacon, and aromatic fresh thyme creates an incredibly rich and savory base. The Instant Pot helps to infuse these flavors deeply into the peas and vegetables, resulting in a complex and satisfying taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Customizable Consistency: Whether you prefer a slightly chunky soup or a perfectly smooth, velvety texture, this recipe allows for complete control. You can blend a portion of the peas with an immersion blender to thicken the soup to your liking, or leave it as is for a more rustic feel. This flexibility ensures your soup is always just how you like it.
- Economical and Filling: Split pea soup is known for being incredibly hearty and satisfying. It’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the peas, making it a budget-friendly meal that genuinely keeps you full. Moreover, it tends to thicken as it cools, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. A single batch can easily provide 3-4 meals throughout the week with just a little extra water or stock to loosen it up when reheating.
- Nutrient-Rich: Split peas are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering significant amounts of fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and potassium. Combined with a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also contributes to a healthy, balanced diet.
Ingredients You Will Need for This Hearty Soup
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable **Instant Pot Split Pea Soup**. Most items are standard pantry staples, making this recipe easy to whip up anytime. You can find a complete list of measurements, specific ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Information and Expert Substitution Suggestions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and potential substitutions can help you tailor this **split pea soup recipe** to your taste and what you have on hand.
- BACON: We highly recommend using thick-cut, fatty bacon. The fat rendered from the bacon is crucial for sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery mixture, forming the deeply savory foundation of your soup. If your bacon isn’t particularly fatty, you might need to add a splash of olive oil to ensure your vegetables cook properly and absorb all that delicious flavor.
- STOCK: Chicken stock forms the liquid base of this soup, imparting a foundational savoriness. Regular chicken stock works wonderfully. If you opt for low-sodium chicken stock, remember to taste and adjust the salt levels towards the end of cooking to ensure optimal flavor. For a vegetarian version (without ham/bacon), you could use vegetable stock.
- HAM: The smoked ham adds a fantastic depth and richness. If you happen to have a ham bone or hock from a previous meal, this is an excellent opportunity to use it! Cooking the soup with a ham bone will infuse even more smoky flavor and body into the broth, resulting in an equally (if not more) delicious outcome. Simply remove the bone before blending and shred any meat back into the soup.
- THYME: Fresh thyme sprigs offer a beautiful earthy and slightly floral aroma that complements the smoky meats and sweet peas. If your thyme sprigs are very dense or large, you might reduce the quantity to 2 or 3 to avoid an overpowering flavor. As a convenient substitute, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme can be used for every 5 fresh sprigs. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like a bay leaf (removed before serving) for added complexity.
- SPLIT PEAS: Green split peas are the star! They cook down beautifully in the Instant Pot, becoming wonderfully tender and creating a naturally thick soup. Unlike whole peas, split peas do not require presoaking, which is another time-saving advantage of this recipe, especially when using a pressure cooker.
- VEGETABLES: The classic mirepoix of onion, carrot, and celery provides essential aromatic notes and sweetness. Garlic further enhances the savory profile. Don’t skip these foundational flavors!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe. For a quick overview and the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, scroll down to the Jump to Recipe button at the bottom of the post.
- Sauté the Bacon: Begin by placing your chopped thick-cut bacon into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Select the ‘Sauté’ mode and cook the bacon until it’s softened and rendered much of its fat, but not yet crispy. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base. Remove the cooked bacon and set aside, leaving the delicious bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Into the residual bacon fat, stir in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Continue to sauté on ‘Sauté’ mode until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften, typically about 5-7 minutes. This step draws out their natural sweetness and builds another layer of flavor.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Now, add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Check Fat Levels: At this point, the bottom of the Instant Pot should still have a good amount of the leftover bacon fat. This fat is essential for flavor. If your pot looks dry, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil before proceeding to the next step.
- Incorporate Peas and Stock: Stir in the dried split peas, ensuring they are well combined with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this prevents a “Burn” error). Reserve the remaining 2 cups of chicken stock for later use.
- Add Ham and Thyme: Place the diced smoked ham and fresh thyme sprigs into the pot. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing vent is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
- Pressure Cook the Soup: Select the ‘Soup/Broth’ mode on your Instant Pot and set it to ‘Normal’ high pressure. Cook for 20 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the 20-minute timer begins.
- Prepare Blended Peas: While the soup is cooking, take the remaining 2 cups of chicken stock and pour it into a medium bowl. Add the cup of frozen peas to this bowl. Using an immersion blender, blend the peas and stock until completely smooth. This creates a vibrant green, creamy pea puree that will be added to the soup to enhance its color and consistency.
- Finish and Adjust Consistency: Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Open the lid, remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Gradually pour the blended pea mixture (about 1 cup at a time) into the Instant Pot, stirring well after each addition, until your soup reaches your desired color and thickness.
- Season and Thicken: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup sit in the Instant Pot for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken further, before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot split pea soup into bowls. Garnish with optional toasted baguette slices, crunchy bread cubes, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a delightful finish. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Leftovers of this delightful soup store wonderfully! Transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating on the stovetop, you’ll likely notice the soup has thickened considerably. Simply add a splash of water or chicken stock, stirring until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Absolutely! This **Instant Pot Split Pea Soup** freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future meals. Pour the cooled soup into an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra water or stock as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
No, one of the best advantages of using the Instant Pot for split pea soup is that there’s no need to pre-soak the peas! The high-pressure cooking process tenderizes them perfectly and quickly without any prior preparation. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
Split pea soup naturally thickens as it cools due to the starches in the peas. If your soup is too thick, simply stir in additional chicken stock or water, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can continue to simmer it on the ‘Sauté’ setting for a few minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, or blend a bit more of the soup with an immersion blender to thicken it. The blended frozen peas in step 8 are also a great way to control thickness and add a vibrant color.
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Split Pea Soup
This **Instant Pot Split Pea Soup** is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with simple, complementary sides. Serve it piping hot with generous chunks of crusty bread or slices of a toasted baguette, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. I personally love it with a slice of homemade Italian bread. For an added crunch, you can top individual servings with homemade croutons. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a scattering of fresh parsley or chives adds a final touch of freshness and color. For a lighter accompaniment, consider a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the soup. Enjoy!
Explore More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes
The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can help you create a wide array of comforting and quick meals. If you loved this **split pea soup**, be sure to check out some of our other favorite Instant Pot recipes:
- Instant Pot Chili
- Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Instant Pot Roast Beef
- Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
I absolutely love to bake and cook, and sharing my kitchen experiences with all of you is a true joy! It can be tough to remember to come back each day for new ideas, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes straight to your inbox!
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 ½ cups chopped onion
- 1 ½ cups chopped carrot
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 16 ounces dried split green peas
- 8 cups chicken stock divided
- 1 ½ cups diced smoked ham
- 5 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup frozen peas
Optional Garnish
- bread cubes, baguette slices, or parsley
Things You’ll Need
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Instant Pot (6-quart or larger recommended)
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Immersion Blender (also known as a stick blender)
Before You Begin & Recipe Notes
- For the best flavor foundation, try to select the fattiest slices of bacon. The rendered bacon fat is essential for sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery mixture, contributing significantly to the soup’s rich taste.
- This recipe uses regular chicken stock. If you opt for low-sodium stock, remember to taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt to your preference.
- To enhance the smoky depth, if you have a ham bone or ham hock, you can certainly use it instead of or in addition to the diced smoked ham. It will impart a wonderful, traditional flavor. Just remove the bone before blending and shred any meat back into the soup.
- Fresh thyme sprigs provide a beautiful aroma. If your thyme sprigs are particularly dense, consider reducing the quantity to 2 or 3. Alternatively, you can substitute fresh thyme with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for convenience.
- No need to pre-soak the split peas! The Instant Pot will cook them perfectly tender in a short amount of time. Just rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
- For added heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be included when sautéing the vegetables.
Instructions
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Place the chopped bacon in the Instant Pot and set it to ‘Sauté’ mode. Cook until soft and rendered, but not crispy. Remove bacon, leave fat.
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Stir in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add minced garlic, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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If the pot bottom is dry, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil before adding split peas.
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Stir in the dried split peas, then pour in 6 cups of chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot. Reserve remaining 2 cups of stock.
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Add the diced smoked ham and fresh thyme sprigs. Seal the lid and set vent to ‘Sealing’.
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Select ‘Soup/Broth’ mode on ‘Normal’ high pressure. Cook for 20 minutes.
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While soup cooks, pour remaining 2 cups of chicken stock into a medium bowl. Add frozen peas and blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
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After pressure cooking, allow natural release for 10-15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Open lid, discard thyme sprigs. Gradually stir in blended peas (1 cup at a time) until desired color and consistency.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let soup sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
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Serve hot with optional baguette slices, bread cubes, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Storage: Store leftover Instant Pot Split Pea Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating on the stovetop, you’ll find it thickens. Simply add water or stock to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well! Store it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.
- For a smoother soup: If you prefer an extra smooth consistency, you can blend a larger portion (or even all) of the soup with an immersion blender directly in the Instant Pot after the cooking cycle is complete and thyme sprigs are removed.
- Adjusting seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. The sodium content of chicken stock and ham can vary, so tasting is key to perfect flavor.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.