Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet haven with this mind-blowing Pressure Cooker Smoky Split Pea Soup that promises to deliver maximum flavor in minimum time! Imagine a rich, creamy soup packed with smoky undertones and nutrient-dense split peas, all prepared in just 45 minutes using the magic of modern cooking technology. This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a culinary adventure that will warm your soul and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables by finely chopping the onion, dicing the carrots, and chopping the celery into small, uniform pieces.
- Turn on the pressure cooker and select the sauté function. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pressure cooker, continuing to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to release their aromatics.
- Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly and toast the spice for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed split peas to the pressure cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Close the pressure cooker lid, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 15 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the soup. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or croutons if desired.
Tips
- Always rinse split peas thoroughly to remove any potential debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- For an extra smoky depth, consider adding a small amount of smoked ham hock or bacon during cooking if you're not keeping the recipe vegetarian.
- Don't skip the sautéing step with vegetables - this builds incredible foundational flavor for your soup.
- Use the natural pressure release method for the first 10 minutes to help the peas cook evenly and maintain their texture.
- An immersion blender is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect soup consistency - partially blending will create a rustic texture, while fully blending results in a smooth, creamy soup.
- Experiment with garnishes like crispy croutons, fresh herbs, or a swirl of cream to elevate the presentation and add extra layers of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 10g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
