Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup: A Comforting Meal in Minutes

Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is a true comfort food classic, and with the help of your trusty Instant Pot, it’s easier than ever to whip up a delicious and satisfying bowl. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities transform this hearty soup from a time-consuming endeavor to a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Forget about simmering for hours on end – with the Instant Pot, you can have a steaming pot of split pea and ham soup ready in less than an hour.

This recipe is not only incredibly convenient but also versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.

So grab your Instant Pot and let’s dive into the world of split pea and ham soup!

Split Pea and Ham Soup: A Comforting Classic Made Easy with the Instant Pot: Instant Pot Split Pea And Ham Soup

Split pea and ham soup is a beloved comfort food, known for its creamy texture, hearty flavor, and satisfying warmth. This classic soup is often associated with cold weather, but it can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of split peas, ham, and vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and satisfying.

Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is one of those comforting meals that always hits the spot. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. I like to pair it with a refreshing drink, like a smooth and rich sous vide cold brew coffee , which I find adds a nice counterpoint to the soup’s savory richness.

After all, a delicious meal deserves a perfect beverage to complement it, and for me, that’s often a cold brew coffee made with the sous vide method.

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook this soup, making it easier and faster than ever before.

Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is a real crowd-pleaser, especially on chilly evenings. The creamy texture and hearty flavor make it a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a similar dish with a flaky crust, you might enjoy my recipe for impossibly easy chicken pot pie , which is also perfect for a weeknight dinner.

But for those nights when you want something warm and satisfying, the Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is always a winner!

Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Split Pea and Ham Soup

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and even desserts. For split pea and ham soup, the Instant Pot offers several advantages over traditional stovetop methods.

My Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is a real crowd-pleaser, especially on chilly evenings. The secret? Using a high-quality silicone spatula to scrape up all those delicious bits from the bottom of the pot! Right now, you can snag a great deal on the m kitchen world silicone spatula set sale amazon , and trust me, your Instant Pot soup game will thank you for it.

Just make sure to stir those peas and ham thoroughly with your new spatulas, and enjoy the rich, creamy flavor!

• Convenience:The Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to set it and forget it. You can throw all the ingredients into the pot, set the timer, and go about your day. The Instant Pot will automatically adjust the pressure and cook the soup to perfection.

• Speed:The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to stovetop methods. Split pea soup can take hours to cook on the stovetop, but the Instant Pot can cook it in less than an hour. This is a huge time-saver, especially for busy weeknights.

• Flavor:The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking method helps to intensify the flavors of the soup. The steam traps the aromas and flavors, resulting in a richer and more flavorful broth.
• Ease of Cleanup:The Instant Pot’s inner pot is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. You can simply toss the pot in the dishwasher and let it do the work.

Ingredients and Preparation

The beauty of Instant Pot split pea and ham soup lies in its simplicity. With a handful of readily available ingredients, you can create a hearty and flavorful meal in a fraction of the time. Let’s delve into the ingredients and preparation steps that will guide you in making this comforting classic.

Ingredient List

A classic split pea and ham soup requires a few key ingredients:

• Split Peas:The star of the show, split peas are a great source of protein and fiber. Opt for green split peas for a vibrant green soup, or yellow split peas for a lighter color. You can also experiment with black-eyed peas or lentils for a different flavor profile.

• Ham:Ham adds a savory depth of flavor and richness to the soup. Choose from a variety of options, including bone-in ham, ham hock, or diced ham.
• Vegetable Broth:A flavorful base for the soup. Choose low-sodium broth for better control over the salt content.
• Onion:Adds a sweet and savory base note to the soup.
• Carrot:Adds sweetness and a touch of crunch.
• Celery:Provides a subtle earthy flavor.
• Garlic:Enhances the overall flavor profile with its pungent aroma.
• Bay Leaf:Adds a subtle earthy and slightly sweet flavor.
• Salt and Pepper:Seasoning to taste.

Ham Selection, Instant pot split pea and ham soup

The type of ham you use will significantly impact the flavor of your soup.

• Bone-in Ham:Provides a richer flavor and adds a unique texture to the soup. You can simmer the bone-in ham with the soup, then remove it before serving. The bone can be used to make a delicious ham stock.
• Ham Hock:A flavorful cut of ham that adds a hearty texture and deep savory notes to the soup.
• Diced Ham:A convenient option for a quick and easy soup. Use about 1 cup of diced ham for a flavorful soup.

Preparation

Preparing the ingredients for your Instant Pot split pea and ham soup is straightforward.

• Chop the Vegetables:Dice the onion, carrot, and celery into small pieces. This ensures even cooking and a smooth soup texture.
• Prepare the Ham:If using bone-in ham or ham hock, rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry. If using diced ham, simply measure out the desired amount.

Variations and Enhancements

The beauty of split pea and ham soup lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Let’s explore some variations and enhancements that will add a new dimension to this classic dish.

Vegetable Additions

Adding vegetables to split pea and ham soup not only enhances its nutritional value but also adds a burst of flavor and texture.

• Carrots and Celery:These vegetables are classic additions to split pea soup, adding sweetness and a subtle earthiness.
• Potatoes:Adding diced potatoes provides a hearty texture and adds another layer of starchiness to the soup.
• Leeks:The mild onion flavor of leeks adds depth and complexity to the soup.
• Spinach:Adding spinach at the end of cooking adds a vibrant green color and a touch of freshness.
• Mushrooms:For a more earthy flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the soup.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices can elevate the flavor profile of split pea and ham soup, adding complexity and warmth.

• Fresh Thyme:This herb adds a subtle, earthy aroma and flavor to the soup.
• Bay Leaf:A bay leaf adds a savory depth and complexity to the soup, but it should be removed before serving.
• Black Pepper:A pinch of black pepper adds a touch of heat and brings out the flavors of the soup.
• Smoked Paprika:For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the soup.
• Garlic Powder:A teaspoon of garlic powder adds a pungent aroma and flavor to the soup.

Dietary Adaptations

Split pea and ham soup can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs.

Vegetarian Options

• Vegetable Broth:Replace the ham with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
• Smoked Tofu:Add crumbled smoked tofu to the soup for a meaty texture and flavor.
• Smoked Paprika:Enhance the smoky flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika.

Vegan Options

• Vegetable Broth:Use vegetable broth as the base for the soup.
• Vegan Ham Substitute:Opt for a vegan ham substitute, such as smoked tempeh or seitan.
• Nutritional Yeast:Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

There are several ways to enhance the flavor of split pea and ham soup.

• Sour Cream:A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and a touch of tanginess to the soup.
• Fresh Parsley:Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the soup for a vibrant green color and a refreshing taste.
• Lemon Juice:A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the soup.