Imagine a hearty, comforting soup that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in less than an hour! This Instant Pot Split Pea Ham Soup is not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl that will transport you to grandma's kitchen with its rich, smoky flavors and creamy texture. Whether you're battling a chilly day or simply craving a nutritious, soul-satisfying dish, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound split peas, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 ham hock
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by rinsing split peas thoroughly under cold water, ensuring no debris remains. Dice onions, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil and lightly sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become slightly translucent and fragrant.
- Add rinsed split peas, ham hock, chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. Stir ingredients to combine evenly throughout the pot.
- Close Instant Pot lid, ensuring valve is set to sealing position. Select high pressure cooking mode and set timer for 25 minutes.
- Once cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform quick release for remaining pressure.
- Remove ham hock, shred meat from bone, and return meat back into soup. Stir thoroughly to incorporate shredded meat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If soup appears too thick, thin with additional chicken broth.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or cracked black pepper. Soup can be stored in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Rinse split peas thoroughly to remove any potential debris and prevent a gritty texture.
- For maximum flavor, choose a meaty ham hock with plenty of connective tissue, which will break down during cooking and add richness to the soup.
- Don't skip the sautéing step for vegetables - it helps develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- If the soup is too thick after cooking, gradually add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For extra depth, consider adding a bay leaf or some fresh thyme during the cooking process.
- The natural pressure release helps the soup develop its creamy texture, so be patient during this stage.
- For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after cooking.
- Leftover soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
