Introduction

Nothing beats a bowl of hearty, smoky Instant Pot Split Pea Soup on a chilly day. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a velvety, deeply satisfying meal in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop. After extensive testing, I’ve perfected the balance of flavors and pressure-cooking technique to ensure foolproof results every time.

Ingredients

This classic split pea soup gets its rich, savory base from aromatic vegetables and smoked ham. Using a good-quality broth makes a significant difference in the final depth of flavor.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 medium onion (chopped)
2 medium carrots (chopped)
2 sticks celery (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 pound green split peas
1 pound smoked ham (chopped (optional))
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt & pepper (to taste)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes (plus pressure build/release)
Total Time	about 50 minutes

Context: This method reduces the total cook time by over 50% compared to simmering for hours on the stovetop. The hands-off pressure cooking makes it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Sauté the Aromatics

Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sautéing, which means cooking quickly in a small amount of fat over medium-high heat, softens the vegetables and builds a flavor foundation. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the onions are translucent.

Step 2 — Add Garlic and Spices

Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. This brief bloom of the spices unlocks their full aroma and prevents the garlic from burning.

Step 3 — Deglaze and Add Base Ingredients

Pour in about 1 cup of the broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, called deglazing, incorporates those flavorful bits and prevents a “burn” warning. Add the remaining broth, the green split peas, and the chopped smoked ham (if using). Do not add salt yet, as the ham and broth may be salty.

Step 4 — Pressure Cook

Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cancel the Sauté function. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on High Pressure and set the timer for 15 minutes. The pot will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the countdown begins.

Step 5 — Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. This gradual release continues to gently cook the peas and is key for achieving the creamiest texture. After 15 minutes, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Step 6 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Open the lid and stir the soup. The peas should be completely broken down and the soup thick. In my tests, I’ve found that the consistency can vary; if it’s too thick, stir in a little hot water or broth. Now is the time to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot for a comforting and complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	6g
Fiber	16g
Sodium	~850mg

This hearty split pea soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which promotes satiety and digestive health. The values are estimates based on using low-sodium broth and including the optional ham. For a lower-sodium version, use unsalted broth and reduce or omit the added salt.

Healthier Alternatives

Turkey Ham or Smoked Turkey Leg — Reduces saturated fat while maintaining that essential smoky flavor. Shred the meat after cooking.
Vegetarian “Ham” or Smoked Tofu — A great plant-based protein swap that mimics the texture and smokiness.
Low-Sodium or No-Salt-Added Broth — Gives you complete control over the salt level, crucial for managing sodium intake.
Add Leafy Greens — Stir in a few handfuls of chopped spinach or kale after pressure cooking for added vitamins and color.
Boost with Root Vegetables — Add diced sweet potato or parsnips with the carrots for extra nutrients and a touch of natural sweetness.
Use an Immersion Blender Briefly — For a creamier texture without adding dairy, blend half the soup right in the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives.
Serve alongside a thick slice of crusty, buttered sourdough or hearty rye bread for dipping.
Pair with a simple, crisp side salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s richness.
For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted sausages or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Garnish with homemade croutons or crispy fried shallots for added texture.
A dry cider or a light lager complements the smoky, earthy flavors beautifully.

This easy Instant Pot split pea soup is a quintessential make-ahead meal. Its flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for weekly meal prep or for serving a crowd during the colder months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Adding salt at the beginning. Fix: Wait until after pressure cooking to season. The ham and broth release salt as they cook, and over-salting is difficult to fix.
Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step. Fix: Always use a bit of broth to scrape the pot clean after sautéing. This prevents a “burn” warning and captures all the flavorful fond.
Mistake: Using old split peas. Fix: Check your peas’ age. Very old legumes take much longer to soften and may never fully break down. Aim to use peas purchased within the last year.
Mistake: Quick-releasing all the pressure immediately. Fix: Allow a 15-minute natural pressure release as directed. This gentle finish is key for achieving the creamiest texture and perfectly cooked peas.
Mistake: Overcrowding the sauté step. Fix: Sauté the vegetables in batches if your Instant Pot is smaller (3-quart). Overcrowding steams them instead of browning, resulting in less flavor.
Mistake: Not adjusting liquid after cooking. Fix: Soup thickness varies. If your pea soup is too thick, simply stir in hot broth or water, 1/4 cup at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cool the soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. In my tests, the flavor is often best on days 2 and 3.
Freezer: Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. It will keep for up to 3 months. Freezing preserves over 95% of the nutrients and flavor.
Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F. You may need to add a splash of broth or water as it thickens when chilled.

This recipe is a meal-prep champion. Doubling the batch and freezing individual portions ensures you always have a healthy, homemade Instant Pot soup ready in minutes, saving you both time and money.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is the ultimate set-and-forget comfort food, delivering incredible depth of flavor with minimal active effort. It’s a budget-friendly staple that freezes beautifully, making your future self very grateful. For another cozy pressure cooker meal, try this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many servings does this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 6 hearty, main-course servings. According to standard serving sizes for thick soups, one serving is about 1.5 to 2 cups. You can easily scale the recipe up or down, but do not fill your Instant Pot past the MAX fill line, especially with legumes that expand during cooking.

Can I make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup without any meat for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely. Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. To replicate the smoky depth, I’ve tested adding 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or a smoked salt to taste after cooking. Another excellent option is to sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the vegetables; their umami richness wonderfully compensates for the missing ham.

Why is my split pea soup too thin or watery after pressure cooking?

This usually happens if the natural pressure release was too short or the peas were very fresh and broke down less. The solution is simple: select the “Sauté” function and simmer the soup uncovered for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, to evaporate excess liquid and thicken it to your liking. For future batches, ensure a full 15-minute natural release as directed.