Perfect Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe in 45 Minutes

The fastest way to make perfect split pea soup in an Instant Pot is to combine 1 cup dried green split peas, 4 cups broth, 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 ham hock (optional), and 1 bay leaf. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a natural release for 15 minutes. This yields a creamy, flavorful soup in under 45 minutes total time—about 75% faster than traditional stovetop methods.

Why Your Instant Pot Is Perfect for Split Pea Soup

Making split pea soup in an Instant Pot transforms what was once a 2-3 hour stovetop process into a 45-minute meal with minimal hands-on time. The high-pressure environment softens the peas and breaks down connective tissues in meats like ham hocks without requiring hours of simmering. Unlike slow cookers that can overcook peas into mush, the precise pressure control in modern Instant Pots delivers consistently creamy yet textured results every time.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

The magic of great split pea soup comes from quality ingredients and proper ratios. Here's what you need and why each component matters:

Ingredient	Amount	Why It Matters
Dried green split peas	1 cup (200g)	Green peas create creamier texture than yellow; no soaking required
Low-sodium broth	4 cups	Control salt levels; vegetable broth works for vegetarian version
Ham hock or smoked turkey leg	1 piece (8-10 oz)	Provides deep smoky flavor; omit for vegan version
Mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery)	1:1:1 ratio, 1.5 cups total	Foundation of flavor; don't skip celery for authentic taste
Fresh garlic	2 cloves, minced	Add after pressure cooking for brightest flavor

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Cooking Process

Follow these precise steps for foolproof results every time you make pressure cooker split pea soup:

1. Prep vegetables: Dice 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks into 1/4-inch pieces. Mince 2 garlic cloves and set aside.
2. Sear aromatics (optional but recommended): Use the Sauté function to cook onions, carrots, and celery with 1 tbsp oil for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Build soup base: Add 1 cup rinsed split peas, 4 cups broth, 1 bay leaf, and 1 ham hock (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Pressure cook: Seal lid, set to Manual/Pressure Cook mode at high pressure for 12 minutes. The pot will take 8-10 minutes to reach pressure.
5. Natural release: Allow 15 minutes of natural pressure release before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Final touches: Remove ham hock, shred meat, return to pot. Stir in reserved garlic, 1 tsp thyme, and adjust salt to taste.

Perfecting Your Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Texture

Getting the ideal consistency requires understanding how pressure cooking affects legumes. Split peas naturally break down during cooking, but these tips ensure perfect results:

• Too thick? Add 1/2 cup hot broth and use the Sauté function at low setting for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly
• Too thin? Mash some peas against the pot wall with a wooden spoon or blend 1 cup of soup and return to pot
• Prevent foaming: Rinse peas thoroughly and avoid overfilling the pot beyond the 1/2 mark
• Vegetarian version: Replace ham hock with 1 tbsp smoked paprika and 2 strips of kombu for umami depth

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Issues

Even experienced users encounter these frequent split pea soup problems. Here's how to fix them:

• Burn notice: Always deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing. Add broth gradually while scraping the bottom. Ensure enough liquid covers ingredients.
• Undercooked peas: Extend cooking time by 3-4 minutes if using older peas. Fresh peas (less than 1 year old) cook faster.
• Overly mushy soup: Reduce natural release time to 10 minutes. Older peas break down faster—use fresher stock when possible.
• Watery consistency: Use the Sauté function after cooking to reduce excess liquid. The soup will also thicken as it cools.

Advanced Techniques for Gourmet Results

Elevate your basic instant pot split pea soup recipe with these chef-inspired techniques:

• Layered seasoning: Add dried thyme at the beginning but stir in fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end for brighter flavor
• Acid balance: Finish with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to cut richness and enhance other flavors
• Texture contrast: Reserve 1/4 cup cooked peas, puree the rest, then stir whole peas back in for restaurant-quality presentation
• Smoky depth without meat: Use 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms sautéed until browned for vegetarian umami boost

Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Split Pea Soup

Unlike canned versions, homemade instant pot split pea soup delivers significant health advantages. One serving (1.5 cups) typically contains:

• High fiber: 16g per serving—more than half the daily recommended intake
• Plant-based protein: 14g per serving from the peas alone
• Low fat: Naturally under 3g fat per serving without added meats
• Vitamins & minerals: Excellent source of folate, iron, potassium, and vitamin B1

The pressure cooking method preserves more nutrients compared to prolonged boiling, while the natural creaminess eliminates the need for heavy cream or butter often found in restaurant versions.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Traditional split pea soup shines with simple accompaniments, but these pairings elevate it to a complete meal:

• Classic pairing: Crusty whole-grain bread and a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Protein boost: Top with crumbled bacon, smoked salmon, or a poached egg
• International twist: Stir in 1 tsp curry powder and top with coconut yogurt for an Indian-inspired version
• Winter warmer: Add 1/2 cup diced potatoes and 1 tsp rosemary for heartier cold-weather soup

Storage and Reheating Best Practices

Split pea soup actually improves in flavor after 24 hours as flavors meld. Follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days—the soup will thicken as it chills
• Freezing: Portion into freezer bags (lay flat) for up to 3 months; leave 1-inch headspace for expansion
• Reheating: Add 1/4 cup liquid per serving when reheating; avoid boiling to prevent further thickening
• Instant Pot reheating: Use the Keep Warm function for gentle reheating without scorching

Perfecting Your Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Routine

Mastering this recipe means understanding how variables affect results. Keep these key principles in mind:

• Pea quality matters: Fresher peas (less than 1 year old) cook faster and retain better texture
• Broth concentration: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels as the soup reduces during cooking
• Timing precision: 12 minutes is ideal for most modern Instant Pots—older models may need 14 minutes
• Seasoning progression: Add dried herbs early but fresh herbs and acids at the end for maximum flavor impact

How much liquid do I need for split pea soup in an Instant Pot?

Use a 4:1 ratio of liquid to split peas. For 1 cup of dried peas, you need 4 cups of broth or water. The Instant Pot requires sufficient liquid to come to pressure, and split peas absorb significant liquid during cooking. Always measure after adding all ingredients to ensure you have at least 1.5 cups of visible liquid in the pot.

Can I make split pea soup in an Instant Pot without meat?

Absolutely. For a flavorful vegetarian version, replace meat with 2 strips of kombu seaweed and 1 tbsp smoked paprika. Sauté 8 oz chopped mushrooms until deeply browned before adding other ingredients to create umami depth. Add 1 tsp nutritional yeast at the end for savory complexity that mimics meat-based flavors.

Why does my Instant Pot show a burn message when making split pea soup?

Burn messages typically occur when food sticks to the bottom during the sauté phase. To prevent this, deglaze thoroughly with broth after sautéing vegetables, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Ensure enough liquid covers ingredients before pressure cooking, and avoid overfilling the pot beyond the halfway mark with dense ingredients like peas.

How do I get the perfect creamy texture for split pea soup in an Instant Pot?

For optimal creaminess, use the natural release method for at least 15 minutes—this allows continued gentle cooking. After releasing pressure, remove 1 cup of soup, blend until smooth, then return to the pot. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to break down remaining peas. If needed, use the Sauté function at low setting for 3-4 minutes to reduce excess liquid while maintaining texture.

Can I double the recipe for split pea soup in my Instant Pot?

You can safely double the recipe only if your Instant Pot has sufficient capacity—never fill beyond the 2/3 line for non-foaming foods or 1/2 line for legumes like split peas. Doubling requires increasing cooking time by only 2-3 minutes, not double the time. For best results, make two separate batches rather than overfilling the pot, which can cause uneven cooking and safety issues.