This Instant Pto Split Pea Soup recipe features tender green split peas, hearty ham, and sauteed veggies in a rich, smoky broth that costs mere pennies per serving. Modifications are provided for making this soup vegetarian as well.
Add the oil to the inner pot of the pressure cooker and turn to the saute function. Let heat for 30 seconds. Once the oil has heated, add the onion, celery, and carrots and saute for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until softened. Once the vegetables have softened, hit cancel on the Instant Pot to turn off the saute function.
Add in ½ cup of the chicken stock, and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Pour in the remaining broth, water, rinsed split peas, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Nestle the ham bone into the soup.
Place the lid on the pressure cooker, being sure the venting knob is pointed towards sealed or the lid is locked, and using the pressure cook or manual button set the cooking time to 15 minutes on high pressure.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally on its own. This will take 15-20 minutes.
Remove the bay leaves and ham bone from the soup. Remove any meat from the ham bone and stir it back into the soup.
Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm with crusty bread and garnished with parsley.
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Notes
No seasoned salt? Use ¾ teaspoon kosher salt in its place. Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham bone, use 6 cups of vegetable broth in place of the chicken stock and water, and increase the seasoned salt to 2 teaspoons.Leftover Ham: Add up to 3 cups of diced ham to the soup after pressure cooking. It won't impart the same flavor as a ham bone, but it will still be delicious.Storage: Allow the split pea soup to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container, leaving 1-inch room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.