Instant Pot Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Potatoes
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Instant Pot Split Pea Soup!
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day? This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal. Forget spending hours simmering on the stovetop – the Instant Pot does all the work for you, delivering a creamy, hearty soup in under an hour!
This recipe is a family favorite, and it’s incredibly versatile. We love adding a ham hock for a smoky depth of flavor, but it’s equally delicious as a vegetarian meal. The split peas break down beautifully, creating a naturally thick and creamy texture without any need for cream. It’s packed with nutrients and makes a fantastic lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour thanks to the Instant Pot.
- Flavorful: The combination of vegetables, herbs, and optional ham hock creates a rich, savory flavor.
- Creamy & Hearty: Naturally creamy and satisfying.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to be vegetarian or vegan.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup:
- Rinse the Split Peas: Rinsing the split peas before cooking helps remove any debris and ensures a cleaner-tasting soup.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing a natural pressure release for 15 minutes helps the flavors meld together and prevents the soup from splattering.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that ham hock will add saltiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ham hock. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of liquid smoke for extra flavor.
Q: Can I use dried green split peas?
A: Yes, dried green split peas work perfectly in this recipe.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Q: What if my soup is too thick?
A: Add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Q: Can I use a different type of ham?
A: While a ham hock provides the best flavor, you can substitute with a smoked ham shank or a few slices of chopped ham. Add the ham with the broth and split peas.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Instant Pot Split Pea Soup! It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in.
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound dried green split peas
- 1 ham hock ham hock (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Add thyme, marjoram, vegetable broth, split peas, and ham hock (if using). Stir well.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the ham hock and shred any meat. Return the meat to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
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