Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

split peas

🥗Healthier: green lentils

💰Cheaper: yellow split peas

Yellow split peas are often less expensive and have a similar texture.

carrots

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: frozen mixed vegetables

Frozen mixed vegetables can be more budget-friendly and add variety.

Soak split peas at least 2 hours, better overnight (up to 12 hours). Drain and rinse.

Peel and finely chop onion and garlic.

Peel and dice carrots, wash and dice celery.

Dice ham.

Preheat your Instant Pot by pressing the sauté button.

Once hot, add a little oil or butter or a combination of both and add onion and garlic. Stir fry until translucent.

Add diced vegetables and stir-fry until bright (about 3-4 minutes).

Add broth, herbs, ham, and peas.

Put on the lid and flip the valve to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to 15 minutes on high pressure.

After the 15-minute pressure cooking time is over, let the pressure release naturally (at least 15 minutes). Do not turn the sealing valve manually for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes it's safe to turn the sealing valve and let remaining pressure out but full natural pressure release is always better.

Once pressure released naturally and the safety pin dropped, open the pot, fish out the bay leaves and give the soup a try. Season with sea salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve in a bowl and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary