Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup

Once you dive into this bowl of Instant Pot split pea and ham soup, life begins.

There is so much flavor in this soup with the chunks of salty ham, the earthy richness from the stock, bay leaves and thyme sprigs and the creaminess from just a bit of cream.

The balanced flavors from that touch of bright acidity from the lemon, and the slight hint of spice from the cayenne (which is totally optional, but gives such depth).

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Instructions

1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to saute.
   • I love that the Instant Pot has this option because you can get a good sear on meat or saute veggies before adding any liquids which gives the soup loads of FLAVOR!
   • Add the oil, then saute the onion, carrots and celery until soft. Then, add the garlic, split peas, ham and seasonings.
2. Step 2: Add the stock, fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
   • You can use dried thyme leaves, but I'd suggest using about ½ teaspoon because it is a pretty strong herb and dried herbs are super concentrated.
3. Step 3: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot with the toggle set to sealed.
   • Set on high pressure for 12 minutes (generally split peas take up to an hour to cook!).
   • When the timer goes off, use a wooden spoon to push the toggle to venting to release the steam.
   • Carefully remove the lid, then use tongs to remove the leaves and thyme sprigs - discard.
4. Step 4: To make this soup extra fabulous, stir in cream, lemon zest and juice and cayenne.
   • A big of cream or half and half gives it so much creaminess (and you only need a tablespoon to achieve this!), the lemon zest and juice gives the soup a bit of acidic ZING.
   • And just a dash of cayenne for a tiny tiny bit of heat that really just takes this soup from good to freaking amazing.
5. Step 5: Always, always, always taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
   • Every single time I cook I have to adjust the salt and other ingredients like the lemon juice.
   • It's just how cooking works.
   • If it is lacking a little flavor or pizazz, give it a pinch more salt and a bit more acid and I bet that'll do the trick.

Isn't it amazing the Instant Pot can make split pea soup in just 12 minutes?!

Step-by-Step Stove-Top Instructions

But, if you don't have an Instant Pot, this soup can be made on the stove and is equally delicious.

1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a stock pot to medium heat. I like to use my Lodge Dutch Oven (affiliate link) because it's heavy duty, beautiful and versatile.
   • Add the onion, carrots and celery and saute 4-5 minutes.
   • Stir in the garlic and ham and saute 2-3 minutes or until the ham is browned and crispy on the edges (YUM).
   • Stir in the split peas, salt, black pepper and cayenne (you can also add this at the end).
2. Step 2: Add the stock (you need a bit more when making it on the stove), thyme sprigs and bay leaves, place the lid on top, stir occasionally, and cook until the the split peas are soft.
   • Use tongs to remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves - discard.
3. Step 3: Stir in the lemon zest and juice and cream.
   • Follow the last step of the Instant Pot directions which is to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (this is always important!).
   • It may need another sprinkle of salt or some more lemon, ya never know.

Cozy Instant Pot Recipes:

• Instant Pot Chicken Vindaloo
• Instant Pot Peanut Butter Chicken Curry
• Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken and Lentil Curry
• Instant Pot Chunky Applesauce
• Instant Pot Bean Soup

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through that link I will earn a (very) small commission. All opinions are my own!

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