Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe Healthy

My Cozy Kitchen Secret

I love a soup that makes itself. This split pea soup does just that. My Instant Pot is like a magic pot. It turns simple things into a warm hug.

I learned this from my neighbor, Margie. She brought me a bowl when I had a cold. I felt better right away. That’s why this matters. Good food is a kind of medicine for the soul.

The Humble Pea’s Big Story

Split peas are very old food. People have eaten them for thousands of years. They dry the peas and split them in half. That’s how they get their name.

*Fun fact*: In ancient Greece, vendors sold hot pea soup on the streets! Isn’t that funny? I still laugh at that. It was fast food, long ago. What’s your favorite “ancient” food? Tell me in the comments.

Why This Soup Feels So Good

Let’s talk about that bone broth. It is full of good things. It comes from simmering animal bones for a long, long time. It makes the soup taste rich and deep.

Using it matters. It turns plain water into a healing base. Your body will thank you. The ghee is my little trick too. It adds a sweet, buttery flavor. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it hits the pot?

Let’s Make Some Magic

First, we wake up the flavors. Saute the onion and garlic in ghee. This step is important. It makes your whole kitchen smell like home.

Then just add everything else. The peas, the chopped ham, the broth. The bay leaves are like little flavor fairies. Don’t forget to take them out before you eat! Do you have a favorite “throw it all in” recipe? I’d love to hear yours.

The Best Part: Waiting

After you set the pot, you wait. It will hiss and hum. That’s the good sound of dinner cooking. The natural release is key. It lets the soup settle and get thick.

When you open the lid, you’ll see. The peas have melted into creamy goodness. The ham is tender. That’s why this matters. Slow, patient cooking makes the best food. Will you serve yours with crackers or a crusty bread? Let me know!

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cooked ham	1 lb	Diced and uncured
Organic celery	3-4 stalks	Washed and chopped
Organic carrots	3	Washed, peeled, and chopped
Yellow onion	1	Minced
Garlic cloves	3	Minced
Organic bone broth	48 oz
Ghee	2 Tbs
Bay leaves	2
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon
Split peas	1.5 lb	Rinsed and sorted

My Cozy, Smoky Split Pea Soup

Hello, my dear! Come sit. Let’s make my favorite soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. I learned this from my own grandma, you know. She always made it on rainy days. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

We’ll use your Instant Pot today. It makes everything so fast. But the flavor is still deep and old-fashioned. I still laugh at that. My grandma would be amazed by this little machine. Let’s get our hands busy.

Step 1: Turn your pot to “Saute.” Let it get warm. Add the ghee, onions, and garlic. Stir them with a wooden spoon. You’ll hear a happy little sizzle. That sound means flavor is starting. (A hard-learned tip: don’t walk away here! Onions can burn fast.)

Step 2: Now toss in the carrots and celery. Stir them for just a minute. This wakes up their sweetness. Then turn the pot off. We’re just giving them a head start. It makes the soup taste richer.

Step 3: Here comes everything else! Add the rinsed peas, broth, ham, and bay leaves. Give it a gentle stir. Put the lid on and lock it. Set it for 10 minutes on High Pressure. It will take about 20 minutes to get ready. What’s your favorite soup memory? Share below!

Step 4: Wait for the beep. Then let the pot sit for 15 minutes. No touching! This is the natural release. It keeps the peas perfectly tender. After that, carefully release the rest of the steam. Open the lid away from your face. Oh, that steam smells like heaven.

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 big bowls
Category: Dinner, Soup

Three Fun Twists to Try

This soup is like a blank canvas. You can paint it with new flavors! Here are my favorite ideas. They’re all so simple.

The Garden Twist: Skip the ham. Use a big spoonful of smoked paprika instead. It gives that smoky taste without meat. So good!

The Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the broth. It warms you from the inside out. Perfect for a cold night.

The Summer Herb: Stir in a handful of fresh dill at the end. It makes the soup taste bright and fresh. Like a garden in your bowl.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

Now, let’s talk about the perfect bowl. First, take out those bay leaves. I’ve forgotten once! A crunchy piece of toast on the side is a must. It’s for dipping. A simple green salad works nicely too. It balances the heartiness.

For a fancy touch, add a garnish. A dollop of plain yogurt looks pretty. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is lovely. It makes the soup feel special. What to drink? A cold glass of apple cider is wonderful. For the grown-ups, a pale ale pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cozy Pea Soup Perfect

This soup is even better the next day. Let it cool completely first. Then pop it in the fridge for up to four days.

For the freezer, use airtight containers. Leave an inch of space at the top. It will keep for three months.

Reheating is simple. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth.

I once froze a big batch in a glass jar. It cracked! Now I use plastic or special freezer containers.

Batch cooking saves busy nights. A ready meal feels like a warm hug. It means more family time at the table.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles

Is your soup too thick? Just stir in a little hot water or broth. It will thin right out.

Not thick enough? Let it simmer on sauté mode. Stir it often for five minutes.

Forgot to sort the peas? No worry. I remember when I skipped that step once. We just fished out any little stones at the table.

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn that recipes are friendly guides. Getting the flavor just right makes everyone smile.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Split Pea Soup Questions, Answered

Q: Is this soup gluten-free? A: Yes, if your broth is gluten-free. This recipe is naturally safe.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! Make it up to two days before. The flavors get richer.

Q: What if I don’t have ham? A: Use a smoked turkey leg instead. Or leave it out for a vegetarian version.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Do not fill your pot past the max line. Halving it works fine too.

Q: Any optional tips? A: A squeeze of lemon at the end is lovely. *Fun fact: This brightens all the other flavors!*

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this soup fills your home with good smells. It is a bowl of comfort on a chilly day.

I love seeing your kitchen creations. Please share a photo of your finished soup. Let’s inspire each other.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at Chloe’s Cozy Kitchen.

Thank you for cooking with me today. I am so glad you are here.

Happy cooking!

—Chloe Hartwell.