Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Dried split peas: These are the base of the soup, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor.

Diced ham: Adds a smoky and savory taste to the soup.

Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent and savory notes.

Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.

Celery: Contributes a subtle bitterness and crunch.

Chicken broth: Serves as the liquid base, enriching the soup with its savory depth.

Dried thyme: Infuses the soup with a warm, herbal aroma.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.

Bay leaves: Imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

To enhance the flavor of your split pea and ham soup, consider sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before adding the remaining ingredients. This step caramelizes the vegetables, adding a deeper, richer flavor to the soup.

• dried split peas - Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils have a similar texture and cooking time, making them a good alternative in soups.

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

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the soup well.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though use less as it is more concentrated.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that works well in soups.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and a mild anise flavor that can add a unique twist to the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup, providing a similar depth of flavor.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a robust flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the soup.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the peppery taste without altering the color of the soup.

• bay leaves - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can provide a different but pleasant herbal note to the soup.

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup fresh.
• Transfer the split pea and ham soup into airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you can keep track of how long the soup has been stored.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The cool temperature will help maintain the flavor and texture.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its quality.
• When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps retain the soup's consistency.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Always check the soup for any off smells or changes in texture before consuming, especially if it has been stored for an extended period.

• For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place a portion of the split pea and ham soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, pour the leftover soup into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a bit of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Heat until the soup is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

• For those who love the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can reheat the soup using the sauté function. Pour the leftover soup into the Instant Pot and set it to the sauté setting on low. Stir occasionally and heat until the soup is hot, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust the thickness.

• If you have a slow cooker, you can reheat the soup by transferring it to the slow cooker and setting it on low for 1-2 hours. This method is perfect if you want to reheat a larger batch and keep it warm for serving.

• For a more traditional approach, you can use a double boiler. Place the soup in the top part of the double boiler and heat over simmering water. This gentle method helps to reheat the soup evenly without scorching. Stir occasionally until the soup is thoroughly heated.

• Instant Pot: This is the primary cooking device used to prepare the split pea and ham soup. It allows for high-pressure cooking, which significantly reduces the cooking time.

• Measuring cups: These are used to measure out the correct amounts of dried split peas, chicken broth, diced ham, carrots, and celery.

• Cutting board: This is used as a surface to chop the onion, carrots, and celery.

• Chef's knife: This is used to chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.

• Colander: This is used to rinse the split peas under cold water before adding them to the Instant Pot.

• Wooden spoon: This is used to stir the soup after it has finished cooking and the bay leaves have been removed.

• Ladle: This is used to serve the hot soup into bowls.

• Measuring spoons: These are used to measure out the dried thyme and black pepper.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery the night before to save time.

Use pre-diced ham: Purchase pre-diced ham to skip the chopping step.

Rinse peas quickly: Use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse the split peas efficiently.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Instant pot settings: Familiarize yourself with your Instant Pot settings to avoid delays.