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Savor the rich comfort of this Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup. Pack the pot with split peas, smoky leftover ham, and aromatic vegetables for a hearty base. Let the Instant Pot work its magic to create deep, slow-simmered flavor in a fraction of the time. Serve a steaming bowl to warm up a chilly evening or feed the whole family with ease. Enjoy a budget-friendly, filling, and delicious soup that quickly becomes a household favorite. If looking for a more traditional recipe with cooking the ham bone, check out my Canadian Split Pea Soup recipe. Serve it with a slice of Traditional French Canadian Tourtière for a truly French Canadian experience!

A bowl of Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup.

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Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
Equipment
How to make Split Pea and Ham Soup with an Instant Pot
Storage
Recipe

Ingredients

Find below the list of ingredients for my Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup.

Olive Oil
Yellow Onion
Celery
Carrot
Garlic
Yellow Split Peas
Salt
Leftover Smoked Ham
Chicken Broth (or whichever broth you prefer)

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

Here’s a list of substitutions and variations you could include for your Split Pea and Ham Soup:

Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Sub with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, or roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Swap with butter for richness, avocado oil for a neutral taste, or bacon fat for smoky depth.
Smoked Ham (300 grams): Replace with a ham hock, smoked turkey leg, leftover roast pork, or even crumbled bacon. For a vegetarian version, leave it out and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
Yellow Split Peas (450 grams): Substitute with green split peas for a slightly earthier flavor, or try red lentils for a creamier, quicker-cooking variation.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or beef broth for a heartier flavor.
Water (3 cups): Replace with more broth for extra richness, or use part coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Adjust based on the saltiness of your ham or broth. Use soy sauce or miso paste as an umami-rich alternative.

Equipment

Electric Pressure Cooker (such as an Instant Pot): Use an electric pressure cooker to turn this split pea and ham soup into a quick, hands-off meal. Choose an Instant Pot if you have one, since it’s one of the most popular brands and the one I rely on in my kitchen. Cook the split peas under pressure to make them perfectly creamy and tender. Infuse every spoonful with smoky ham and savory vegetables while the cooker locks in flavor. Enjoy the convenience of pressing a few buttons and letting the machine do the work.

How to make Split Pea and Ham Soup with an Instant Pot

Chop up the celery, onion, peeled carrots. Finely mince the garlic cloves. Cut bite sized pieces from the leftover slices of ham.

Set the Instant Pot on the "Saute" setting. Drizzle in the olive oil and add the celery, carrot, and onion. Cook until the onions are translucent and then add in the garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes and turn off the heat.

Add to the Instant Pot, the split peas, cubed ham, broth, salt, and water. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker.

Set the Instant Pot to 15 minutes. Once the timer runs out, let the pressure cooker time lapse for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, carefully release the rest of the steam from the cooker as per the safety instructions of your machine before opening the lid.

5. Use a stick blender to blend some of the cooked split peas for a smoother texture. Adjust seasoning to your liking and serve hot.

Storage

Cool the Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup to room temperature before storing. Transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months, leaving space at the top for expansion. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.

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