Hearty and Cozy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is a classic comfort food recipe that's easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Split peas cook quickly in the pressure cooker, resulting in a creamy and flavorful soup. This recipe is also easily customizable – add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or a smoked ham bone for an extra layer of smokiness.
Get ready to be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create this delicious and nutritious soup! In under an hour, you'll have a satisfying and comforting meal that's perfect for a chilly day.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked ham (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme, cumin, and black pepper and cook for an additional minute.
2. Add the split peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
3. Remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup to your desired consistency. If using cooked ham, stir it into the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.