Introduction
Are you craving a comforting and wholesome meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? The answer lies in a timeless classic: split pea soup. But forget the hours of simmering on the stovetop! With the magic of the Instant Pot, you can create a bowl of steaming, delicious split pea soup in a fraction of the time. This article is your comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect Instant Pot Split Pea Soup, packed with flavor, nutrients, and convenience.
Split pea soup has been a staple in kitchens worldwide for centuries. Its humble ingredients – split peas, vegetables, and often a ham hock – combine to create a deeply satisfying and flavorful experience. Beyond its delightful taste, split pea soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a fantastic source of fiber, essential for digestive health, and packed with protein, keeping you feeling full and energized. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that stretches your grocery budget.
Enter the Instant Pot, the culinary game-changer that simplifies kitchen tasks and speeds up cooking times. This multi-cooker, known for its pressure cooking capabilities, turns long-cooking recipes into quick and effortless meals. For split pea soup, the Instant Pot is a perfect partner, effortlessly transforming dry split peas into a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup in a matter of minutes. Get ready to embrace a weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and time-saving!
Gathering Your Culinary Arsenal
The beauty of Instant Pot Split Pea Soup lies in its simple yet satisfying ingredients. Before you begin, gather the following:
First and foremost, you’ll need split peas. Both green and yellow split peas work beautifully in this recipe. You can usually find them in the dry beans and lentils section of your grocery store. A pound of split peas is usually a good starting point for a decent-sized batch of soup, providing ample servings.
Next, you’ll need a good quality vegetable broth. Vegetable broth adds depth of flavor and, of course, helps to cook the peas properly. You can use store-bought broth or even make your own, depending on your preference and how much time you have. If you’re not vegetarian, chicken broth can be a fantastic substitute or addition, adding a richer flavor profile.
Fresh vegetables form the base of the soup’s flavor profile. You’ll want an onion, providing a crucial aromatic foundation. Carrots and celery are also essential. These three ingredients, when gently sautéed, create a “mirepoix,” the culinary base for many classic soups and stews. Chop them into a consistent size to ensure even cooking.
Garlic adds a savory note to the soup. Freshly minced garlic brings the best flavor.
While optional, a bay leaf can enhance the soup’s depth. Its subtle, herbaceous notes will subtly elevate the overall taste.
For the meaty element, you have a couple of options. A smoked ham hock or a ham bone offers a deep, smoky flavor that is truly classic. If you choose to use a ham hock or ham bone, you’ll also want to incorporate a bit of the ham meat once you are done pressure cooking. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can omit this step and still make a wonderfully satisfying soup.
You’ll need a selection of spices. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are non-negotiable. Beyond those, you can add herbs like thyme and oregano, which complement the flavors beautifully. Start with small amounts and adjust to your liking.
Finally, consider garnishes to elevate the soup. Fresh parsley, chopped finely, provides a bright, fresh element. A swirl of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add richness. And, of course, some croutons are a welcome textural addition.
Crafting Your Culinary Masterpiece
Once you have all of your ingredients prepped, it’s time to put the Instant Pot to work.
Start by prepping the Instant Pot. Ensure your Instant Pot is clean and ready to go. Generally, a six-quart Instant Pot is a popular size for this recipe and will comfortably hold a good portion of soup.
If you like, this step will add depth to your soup’s flavor. Using the Sauté function on your Instant Pot, add a little bit of oil or broth (if you’re avoiding oil) and allow it to heat up. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the carrots and celery begin to soften. This usually takes about five to seven minutes. Once the vegetables are softened, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Now it’s time to add the ingredients to your Instant Pot. Pour in the vegetable broth. Then add the split peas. If you’re using ham hock or a ham bone, add it at this stage. Follow with the bay leaf, if using, and your chosen spices. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Now, lock the lid of your Instant Pot. Set the valve to the sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting on your Instant Pot and set the cooking time. Depending on your Instant Pot model, and the type of peas you’re using, 20-30 minutes is usually enough time for the split peas to cook thoroughly and become tender. Some might find that certain brands of split peas require more or less time, so keep this in mind.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, you have two options for releasing the pressure. You can choose to release the pressure naturally, which is generally recommended for split pea soup, especially if you’re using ham hocks or bones, as this results in a more tender soup. Natural pressure release means you let the Instant Pot cool down and the pressure release on its own. This usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to the venting position. This is faster, but be cautious, as hot steam will be released. The total time for quick release will be less, but it’s still important to keep an eye on the soup, as the quick release might impact the overall tenderness of the soup, if you did not add much liquid at the beginning.
Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. If you used a ham hock or bone, remove it from the Instant Pot. Discard the bone and shred any meat from the hock, adding it back to the soup.
Now, you have a choice. You can either enjoy the soup as is, in a chunky style, or you can blend it for a smoother consistency. To blend, you can use an immersion blender directly in the Instant Pot. Be sure to blend carefully to avoid splattering. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Allow it to cool slightly before blending in a traditional blender.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to your taste. If you feel the soup needs more depth, you can always add a little bit more broth or a splash of lemon juice.
Serve your Instant Pot Split Pea Soup hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, a swirl of cream, or croutons, depending on your preferences.
Achieving Soup Perfection: Tips and Tricks
While Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is incredibly straightforward, a few extra tips can help you achieve soup perfection.
Rinsing split peas before cooking is a good practice. Rinsing removes any dust or debris and can help prevent the soup from becoming overly cloudy. Simply place the split peas in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear.
You might be tempted to soak the split peas before cooking, but with the Instant Pot, soaking is not typically necessary. The pressure cooking process allows the split peas to cook to tender perfection without needing a pre-soak.
If you find the soup is too thick, you can add more broth to reach your desired consistency. For a thinner soup, consider adding more liquid. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker soup, you can gently simmer the soup on the Sauté function for a few minutes to reduce the liquid and allow it to thicken.
You can easily adapt the recipe based on the kind of meat you use. Ham hocks offer the best flavor, but you can substitute them with a ham bone, pieces of pre-cooked ham, or even bacon (cooked first). If using bacon, consider rendering the bacon in the Instant Pot using the sauté setting, as this adds a lovely smoky flavor to the base.
To make the soup vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the ham and ham hock. Use vegetable broth for both the sautéing and the cooking process. You can also add other flavor enhancers like smoked paprika, which lends a smoky flavor, to the soup.
Storing and Savouring Your Soup
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Instant Pot Split Pea Soup for several days. Let the soup cool completely before storing it. You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the soup. It freezes remarkably well.
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving, Sharing, and Savoring
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a versatile meal, great on its own or paired with other delicious dishes. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad for contrast, or simply enjoy it in a bowl. Top it with croutons, fresh parsley, or a dollop of cream to add extra flavor and visual appeal.
You can add more veggies to the soup, such as spinach, kale, or even some chopped potatoes. Experiment with different types of broth to modify the overall flavor.
Embrace the versatility of this soup, and tailor it to your taste buds!
In Conclusion
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup recipe offers an easy, delicious, and time-saving solution for a comforting meal. With its straightforward instructions, simple ingredients, and the power of the Instant Pot, this recipe provides the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a hearty bowl of this classic soup!
Ready to try this amazing recipe? Don’t hesitate to give it a try, and be sure to share your experiences in the comment sections below! Let us know your modifications, favorite additions, and any tips you have discovered along the way. Happy cooking!
