Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe

This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham is an easy, comforting way to use leftover ham and a ham bone after holiday meals. With the pressure cooker, you get a creamy, nourishing soup that develops deep flavor in a fraction of the usual time.

Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham

If you love the classic split pea soup but usually don’t have hours to simmer, the Instant Pot transforms this recipe into a weeknight-friendly meal. Using a ham bone adds savory depth, and a little diced ham makes a great garnish. The pressure cooker minimizes evaporation, so you can reduce the liquid compared with a stovetop version and still end up with a luxuriously thick bowl of soup.

This recipe is simple, dependable, and perfect for making ahead. It freezes well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep, busy evenings, or when you want a comforting, high-protein soup without a long simmer time.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pea Soup

A few reasons this split pea soup is a favorite:

• Great use for leftover ham. Save ham bones and small amounts of diced ham to stretch leftovers into a hearty, economical meal.
• Excellent leftovers and freezer-friendly. Make a big pot and portion it for lunches, quick dinners, or to stock the freezer.
• Ready quickly. The pressure cooker cuts traditional cooking time dramatically — you’ll have soup in under 30 minutes of active time.

What You’ll Need

This nourishing Instant Pot split pea soup relies on simple ingredients for big flavor. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Dry green split peas: Peeled, dried, and split peas that break down into a creamy base. Yellow split peas can be substituted but will alter the flavor and color slightly.
• Vegetables: Carrots, onion, and celery provide sweetness, texture, and aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Adds an extra savory note.
• Ham bone: Leftover ham bones infuse the broth with smoky, meaty flavor.
• Liquid and seasoning: Water plus a concentrated bouillon or low-sodium chicken broth provides seasoning. A bay leaf adds background complexity.
• Diced ham: Saute briefly for a crisp garnish or stir it in for added protein.

How to Make Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

This method keeps things straightforward so you can rely on consistent results every time.

• Rinse the peas. Rinse dry split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Sauté the aromatics. With the Instant Pot on sauté mode, warm a little oil and cook the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Add the ham bone and liquids. Add the rinsed peas, ham bone, water (or broth), a tablespoon of concentrated bouillon or one bouillon cube, and a bay leaf.
• Pressure cook. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for best texture.
• Finish and garnish. Remove the ham bone and bay leaf, stir the soup — it will thicken as it cools slightly. If desired, quickly sauté diced leftover ham in a hot skillet and use as a garnish with chopped chives.

Can I Make This on the Stovetop?

Yes. For a stovetop version, add two extra cups of liquid and simmer covered on low heat for about two hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup is thick.

Tips & Variations

Simple tweaks let you adapt the soup to dietary needs and flavor preferences.

• Use broth for more flavor: Replace the water with low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer, or use a bouillon paste with water for a richer base.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth; add smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke for a smoky note.
• Adjust consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, thin with a little hot water or broth when reheating.
• Rest before serving: The soup thickens as it sits, so allow it to cool briefly after cooking for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with a spoonful of sautéed diced ham and chopped chives on top. Crusty bread, a whole-grain roll, or a crisp green salad complement the hearty soup and make the meal complete.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, or heat individual portions in the microwave.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry green split peas
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Leftover ham bone
• 6 cups water (or replace with broth for more flavor)
• 1 tbsp concentrated bouillon or 1 bouillon cube
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 oz leftover ham, diced (for garnish)
• Chopped chives, for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and warm the olive oil. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ham bone, rinsed peas, water (or broth), bouillon, and bay leaf. Close and lock the lid.
4. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally before opening.
5. Remove the ham bone and bay leaf. Stir the soup; it will thicken as it stands. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Optionally, sauté diced ham in a hot skillet until slightly browned and use as a garnish with chopped chives. Serve warm.

Notes

Check product labels if you need a gluten-free bouillon or other specialty ingredients. For a lighter version, use low-sodium broth and moderate the amount of added ham.

Nutrition (per 1 cup serving)

Calories: 182; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Protein: 17 g; Fat: 1.5 g; Fiber: 15 g; Sodium: 459 mg; Sugar: 4 g.

More Ideas for Leftover Ham

• Stir-fried rice or cauliflower fried rice with diced ham
• Ham, veggie, egg and cheese bake for a hearty breakfast or brunch
• Bean and ham soups or stews for a filling family meal

This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham is an economical, flavorful way to turn leftovers into an easy, healthy meal. It’s ideal for busy evenings, makes great lunches, and freezes well for later. Enjoy!