Instant Pot® Split Pea and Ham Soup

Cooking split peas under pressure makes them nearly instantly creamy. This recipe is very close to a classic split pea soup, but I have the option of cooking with or without a meaty ham bone. If you just have ham, it will be just as great with the combination of celery, carrots, onions, potatoes, and split peas. Get ready for a thick and flavorful broth!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 526 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 large stalk celery, diced
• ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or to taste
• 1 ½ tablespoons salted butter
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth, divided
• ½ large onion, diced
• ½ pound diced cooked ham
• ½ pound dried split peas

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®), and select Saute function. Add butter and olive oil; heat until butter is melted. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook until onion is nearly translucent, about 3 minutes. Add ham and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2

Add potato; cook and stir to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot, for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 3 cups chicken broth, split peas, and bay leaves. Turn Saute function off.

Step 3

Close and lock the lid and seal the valve. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 15 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 4

Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 to 12 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, 2 to 3 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

Step 5

Unlock and remove the lid. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired. If soup is too thick, select Saute function and add remaining 1 cup chicken broth. Stir until heated through and desired consistency, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately with Cheddar cheese sprinkled over top.