Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making an incredibly easy and delicious Crock Pot Express Split Pea Soup recipe. If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and remarkably quick meal, your search ends here! This fantastic recipe allows you to whip up a fresh, homemade split pea soup in your pressure cooker in just 18 minutes — no overnight soaking required. It’s truly a family favorite that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort, making it a staple for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals can be a real challenge. For busy individuals and parents juggling multiple responsibilities, the thought of cooking from scratch often feels daunting. This is where modern kitchen appliances like the Crock Pot Express (or any electric pressure cooker) become indispensable. They are true game-changers, transforming lengthy cooking processes into quick, convenient sessions. This Crock Pot Express split pea soup recipe exemplifies the magic of pressure cooking, delivering a depth of flavor typically associated with hours of simmering, all in a fraction of the time. We’ve mastered numerous Crock Pot Express recipes, and this one consistently ranks among the top for its simplicity, nourishing qualities, and exceptional taste.

Mastering the Crock Pot Express Split Pea Soup: A Quick & Healthy Delight

One of the beauties of this pressure cooker split pea soup is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re a devoted meat-lover or prefer plant-based dishes, this recipe adapts seamlessly. To make it entirely vegetarian, simply omit the ham; you’ll be amazed at how rich and satisfying it remains, thanks to the robust vegetable broth and earthy peas. However, for those who enjoy a smoky, savory depth, adding ham hocks or any leftover diced ham bits truly elevates the flavor profile, making it our preferred choice. The ham introduces a wonderful umami note that complements the earthy peas beautifully, creating a more complex and traditional taste.

The integrated sauté function of your Crock Pot Express is a major time-saver and a key step for building flavor. It allows you to brown your onions and ham directly in the same pot before adding the remaining ingredients. This crucial step softens the onions, releasing their sweet aromas and caramelizing slightly, which builds a foundational layer of flavor that permeates the entire soup, all without needing an extra pan to wash. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day, knowing that a wholesome, homemade meal is just minutes away from being served, preventing those inevitable “hangry” moments. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something nutritious and satisfying but don’t have hours to spend cooking.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Split Pea Soup

Crafting the perfect homemade split pea soup starts with understanding your ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection and customization to ensure the best flavor and texture:

• Split Peas: The undisputed star of the dish! You’ll need a standard 16 oz (approximately 2 cups) bag of dry green split peas. Unlike many bean varieties, split peas cook quickly and don’t require laborious pre-soaking, which is a huge advantage for speed and spontaneity. You can easily find them in the dry beans and lentils aisle of any grocery store or order them conveniently online. Always rinse your split peas thoroughly under cold water before adding them to the pot to remove any dust or small debris.
• Vegetables: We typically enhance our soup with 1 large carrot and 2 stalks of celery. These not only provide essential nutrients but also add vibrant color and a subtle, natural sweetness that balances the savory elements. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your liking — more vegetables mean more goodness! For a softer texture, slice your carrots thinner; for a firmer bite that holds its shape, cut them into thicker rounds or chunks. Other fantastic additions could include diced potatoes, parsnips, or even a handful of fresh spinach stirred in just after cooking for a burst of green.
• Broth: Vegetable broth forms the flavorful liquid base for this soup, offering a significantly richer taste compared to plain water. It infuses the peas and vegetables with a deeper, more savory character. If you happen to have a mix, a 1/2 vegetable broth and 1/2 chicken broth combination works wonderfully and tastes fantastic as well. Always opt for a low-sodium broth to maintain better control over the overall saltiness of your soup, allowing you to season it perfectly to your preference.
• Onions: Diced white or yellow onions are highly recommended for their aromatic qualities. When cooked under high pressure, they become incredibly tender, often dissolving into the soup, so even picky eaters might not notice their presence while still benefiting from their essential flavor contribution. While technically optional, they add a crucial layer of sweetness and complexity to the soup’s base that is hard to replicate.
• Ham (Optional, but Recommended for Traditional Flavor): This is where you can truly personalize your soup. Diced ham steak, savory bacon bits, or particularly delicious, leftover ham from holiday dinners are all excellent choices. The smoky, salty notes from the ham pair perfectly with the mild sweetness of the peas, creating that classic split pea soup profile. If omitting for a vegetarian version, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke, or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a similar smoky or umami depth.
• Salt: While vegetable broth contains sodium, a little extra salt is often needed to bring all the flavors together and make them pop. Start with a small amount (like 1 tsp) and adjust to taste after the soup is cooked. Remember, it’s always easier to add more salt than to remove it! We find that the broth itself provides a good base, so we don’t add much extra personally, preferring to season individual bowls as desired.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics (onions and ham), a good quality olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps these ingredients brown beautifully, enhancing their flavor before pressure cooking. It’s a small but important step in building the soup’s foundation.

Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor: Expert Tips for Your Split Pea Soup

Creating the ideal Crock Pot Express split pea soup involves a few key considerations, particularly when it comes to texture, serving, and storage. Here are some expert tips to ensure your soup is always a success and perfectly tailored to your liking:

• Texture Preference: The cooking time directly impacts the soup’s smoothness and the tenderness of the peas. For a soup with a little texture where the peas still retain some individual character and the vegetables are tender-crisp, 17-18 minutes of pressure cooking is ideal. If you prefer a really creamy, fully broken-down soup — where the peas have almost disintegrated — increase the pressure cook time to about 19-20 minutes. Keep in mind that longer cooking times will also result in softer vegetables. For an ultra-smooth consistency, after cooking, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer portions to a regular blender (blending in batches and being cautious with hot liquids) until you reach your desired silkiness.
• Serving Immediately: This quick split pea soup is undeniably best enjoyed fresh off the stove. At this point, the flavors are vibrant, and the consistency is perfect. The warmth and rich aroma are truly irresistible. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping, a light green salad, or warm dinner rolls for a complete and utterly satisfying meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a swirl of cream can also elevate its presentation and taste.
• Storage and Reheating: While truly delicious fresh, this soup also saves incredibly well, making it excellent for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You’ll notice that the soup will thicken considerably overnight as the peas continue to absorb liquid. When reheating, whether on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, you will almost certainly need to thin it out with a little extra vegetable or chicken broth (or even a splash of water) to achieve the desired consistency again. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, especially on the stovetop.
• Adding Extra Spices and Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor and aromatic depth, consider adding a bay leaf during the initial cooking phase and removing it before serving. A pinch of dried thyme, a dash of sage, or a generous grind of black pepper can also significantly enhance the soup’s profile. As mentioned earlier, smoked paprika is a fantastic addition for a smoky note, especially if you’re opting for the vegetarian version.
• Adjusting Final Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The sodium content of various vegetable broths can vary widely, so a final taste test is an essential step for a perfectly seasoned dish that caters to your palate.

Rated 4.17 out of 5 stars by 6 users.

Crock Pot Express Split Pea Soup Recipe

By Justine

This Crock Pot Express Split Pea Soup recipe is incredibly easy and done in just 18 minutes! Fresh homemade split pea soup has never been so quick, delicious, and will surely become a new family favorite!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 18 mins

Total Time: 33 mins

Servings: 6

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Equipment

• 1 pressure cooker

Ingredients

• 42 oz vegetable broth
• 2 cups split peas, dry (rinsed)
• 1 cup ham, diced, optional
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large carrots, cut into rounds or diced
• 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Turn your Crock Pot Express to the “Brown/Saute” function. Add the olive oil, diced onions, and optional ham. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent and the ham is slightly browned.
2. Press the “Stop” or “Cancel” button on your pressure cooker to turn off the sauté function.
3. Add all other listed ingredients to the pot: rinsed dry split peas, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine everything well.
4. Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and ensure the steam release valve is closed and set to “Seal” (or indicated closed position) according to your appliance’s instructions.
5. Set the cooker to the “Soup” setting. High pressure is typically chosen automatically for this function. Set the cooking time for 18 minutes.
6. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by opening the steam valve. Once all the steam has escaped and the pressure indicator drops, open the lid away from your face.
7. Stir the soup well, taste, and adjust seasoning (add more salt or pepper) if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz, Calories: 125kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 1483mg, Potassium: 193mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 3880IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe? Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!

This quick split pea soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, especially on those brisk, chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty, comforting dinner. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture make it a standalone star, though it pairs wonderfully with some warm, crusty rolls or a light green salad to complete your meal. It’s an effortlessly elegant dish that provides wholesome goodness without demanding hours in the kitchen, proving that delicious homemade food can indeed be quick and simple to prepare.

Explore More Easy & Delicious Crock Pot Express Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this easy split pea soup recipe, you’re in for a treat! The world of pressure cooking offers endless possibilities for quick and delightful meals that fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. Next on your culinary adventure, we highly recommend trying our Crock Pot Express Pinto Bean Soup. Just like our split pea soup, it’s made entirely from scratch with no pre-soaking required, delivering deep, comforting flavors in record time. For a truly impressive and complete dinner, perfect for a family gathering or a satisfying Sunday meal, serve it alongside our tender and flavorful Pressure Cooker Pot Roast. These recipes are designed to maximize flavor and minimize cooking stress, helping you create memorable, homemade meals with your trusty Crock Pot Express.