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Home » Soups and Salads » Instant Pot Yellow Split Pea Soup

Instant Pot Yellow Split Pea Soup

By Melissa Huggins / 26 Comments

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Hearty and comforting, this classic Yellow Split Pea Soup will be your new favorite. Just add the wholesome ingredients to your Instant Pot, and relax while the magic happens.

Bowl of Yellow Split Pea soup on a plate with crusty bread on the side.

I finally joined the Instant Pot club and this Yellow Split Pea Soup was the very first meal I cooked in it. Well, I have to say, I’m quite impressed with this kitchen appliance. I avoided buying it for so long because I thought it would become a dust collector. Plus, I don’t have a lot of counter space for things I won’t use often.

I’m so glad I went for it though. I’ve been using it almost every night to make quick, flavorful and nutritious meals for my family.

When I first opened the box, I was a little overwhelmed with all the buttons, but I felt better after reading the manual. Also, I had lots of support from the Instant Pot Facebook Community Group that has over 1 million members. Everyone is so helpful!

WHICH INSTANT POT MODEL IS THE BEST?

There are a bunch of models to choose from, but after doing my research, I decided to go with the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart 9-in-1 Function. Yep, it really is a 9-in-1 appliance! It’s a Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Tofu Egg Cooker, Sterilizer, Steamer, Warmer, and it Sautés.

All that in one little pot! Aaamazing!

Now the name “Instant” Pot could be slightly misleading because it doesn’t really cook food in an instant. However, most meals are cooked in under 15 minutes and it’s completely hands-free. Also, the pot takes about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure so you’ll need to consider that time too.

Bottom line, it’s worth it and so darn easy to use!

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS YELLOW SPLIT PEA SOUP:

(full ingredient amounts in recipe card below)

  • Cooking oil (or vegan butter)
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Dried Thyme, Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Crushed Red Pepper and Bay Leaves
  • Vegetable Broth
  • Yellow Split Peas
  • Liquid Smoke,
  • Salt and Pepper

* For an even heartier soup, add 2 medium red-skinned potatoes along with the carrots and celery. No need to peel them, just cut into 1 1/2 ” cubes

HOW TO MAKE YELLOW SPLIT PEA SOUP IN THE INSTANT POT

sautéing onions in the instant pot.

  • Dice the onions, slice the celery and chop the carrots into 1-inch chunks. Cutting the carrots into larger pieces will prevent them from turning into mush.
  • After prepping your veggies, turn on the sauté feature of your Instant Pot. When heated, add the oil and butter. Once melted, add the onions and sauté until slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

sauteing onions with seasonings to make yellow split pea soup.

  • Now add the garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Now sauté for about a minute to release the aromatics.

* Feel free to omit the crushed red pepper if you don’t want the added heat. I love the smokiness from the smoked paprika, but you can use regular paprika if desired.

cooking onions, seasonings, celery and carrots in the instant pot.

  • Now add the carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling heavenly right about now!

Adding broth to the Instant Pot to make yellow split pea soup.

HOW TO SEAL THE INSTANT POT

  • Cancel the sauté function and add the broth, lentils, liquid smoke, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Close and secure the lid. Turn the steam release handle to the Sealing position. Push the Pressure Cooker (Manual Setting) button to high pressure and set the time to 15 minutes by using the + or – button.
  • The screen will then display ON while the preheating is in progress (this could take 10-12 minutes). When the Instant Pot has come to pressure, you’ll see the 15 minutes displayed on the screen again.
  • The cooker will beep when the time is up. Don’t touch anything, just let the pressure naturally release for another 15 minutes. Now carefully turn the steam release handle to the Venting position (It will loudly spurt out lots of steam and some water). Once the Float Valve goes down you can carefully open the lid.

Fully cooked Yellow Split Pea Soup in the Instant Pot with a ladle inside.

  • Remove the bay leaves and taste for seasoning and add more if needed. Let the soup sit a minute before serving to give it time to thicken up. If it’s too thick for your taste, you can add a small amount of water or vegetable broth.

TOPPING IDEAS FOR VEGAN SPLIT PEA SOUP

  • Browned and crumbled vegan sausage
  • Vegan sour cream
  • Vegan cheese shreds
  • A sprinkle of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper
  • Fresh-cut chives, green onion or your favorite fresh herbs
  • A squeeze of lemon

MORE INSTANT POT MEALS FOR YOU TO ENJOY:

NOT READY TO TAKE THE INSTANT POT PLUNGE? HERE ARE SOME OTHER RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you make this recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.

 

Step By Step Photos Above

Instant Pot Yellow Split Pea Soup

Hearty and comforting, this classic Yellow Split Pea Soup will be your new favorite. Add the wholesome ingredients to your Instant Pot, and relax for 25 minutes while the magic happens.
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Keyword: Instant Pot, Yellow Split Pea Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 5 People
Calories: 384kcal
Author: Melissa Huggins

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons preferred cooking oil or vegan butter (or a blend of both)
  • 1 medium onion , diced
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (*optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 stalks celery , sliced into 1/2" pieces
  • 2 large carrots , chopped into 1" pieces. *see note
  • 6 cups vegetable broth , low sodium
  • 2 cups yellow split peas , sorted and rinsed (sub green split peas)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (*optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt , more to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper , to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Turn on the sauté feature of your Instant Pot and add the oil or butter. When heated, add the onions and sauté until slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

  • Now add the garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika and crushed red pepper. Sauté for about a minute. 

  • Add the carrots and celery. Sauté 1-2 minutes. 


  • Cancel the sauté function and add the broth, split peas, liquid smoke, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 

  • Close and secure the lid. Turn the steam release handle to the Sealing position. Push the Pressure Cooker (Manual Setting) button to high pressure and set the time to 15 minutes by using the + or - button. The screen will then display ON while the preheating is in progress (this could take 10-12 minutes). When the Instant Pot has come to pressure, you'll see the 15 minutes displayed on the screen again.
  • The cooker will beep when the time is up. Don't touch anything, just let the pressure naturally release for another 15 minutes. Now carefully turn the steam release handle to the Venting position (It will loudly spurt out lots of steam and some water). Once the Float Valve goes down you can carefully open the lid. 

  • Remove the bay leaves and taste for seasoning. Add more if needed. Let the soup sit a minute before serving. This will give it time to thicken up. If it's too thick for your taste, you can add a small amount of vegetable broth. *See notes stovetop instructions.

Notes

Stovetop Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onions and celery in butter or oil until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add garlic and seasonings, sauté for 1 minute
  • Now add carrots, broth, split peas, liquid smoke salt, and pepper. Turn up the heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for 1 1/2 - 2 hours until peas are completely softened. Stir occasionally. 
  • Taste for seasoning and add more if needed. Let the soup sit a minute to thicken. Serve as is or blend for a super smooth texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 626mg | Potassium: 1222mg | Fiber: 22g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 108.2% | Vitamin C: 7.6% | Calcium: 8.9% | Iron: 26.5%
Tried this recipe?Follow me @veganhuggs and mention #veganhuggs!

 

Melissa Huggins
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Melissa Huggins

Melissa is the creator and recipe developer of the popular food & lifestyle blog, Vegan Huggs. It's a friendly and approachable environment for anyone who's curious about plant-based eating or cruelty-free living. Her blog is filled with comforting, familiar and easy-to-follow recipes that will fit into every household. Each dish is beautifully photographed in her own unique style with an inviting feel to them. Also, she has built a solid relationship with her readers and has a real understanding of what makes them return.
Melissa Huggins
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Comments

  1. Ruth Knox

    May 28, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    This is my favorite pea soup recipe. So quick and easy to make, so delectably good, full of rich, wholesome flavor. My husband is addicted to it, and requests a pot of it every week. I’ve taken to doubling the recipe because we could live on this stuff, seriously. All of the incredible flavor, all of the nutrition…what more could we want? I didn’t know pea soup could be this good. Only a few minutes of prep, then into the IP, and before you know it, heaven in a bowl!

    Reply

  3. Nathan G

    April 16, 2019 at 3:34 pm

    Hi. Great tasting recipe. But I was expecting the yellow split peas to be soft. And they are al dente to say tue least. I definitely used the time settings suggested including the 12 minute natural release. Could my split peas have malfunctioned?

    Reply

    • Ruth Knox

      May 28, 2019 at 6:06 pm

      I found the same thing when I made this soup the first time. I add 5 minutes to the cooking time and it comes out perfect every time.

      Reply

      • Melissa Huggins

        May 29, 2019 at 10:39 am

        I wonder if this could differ between brands. I haven’t had this happen to my soup, but I added 3 minutes to the cooking time and 3 to the nautral release. Thank you both for sharing your feeback. It truly helps 🙂

  4. Shari

    March 4, 2019 at 7:52 am

    I made this soup during a snowstorm and it was delicious! I used green split peas and sweet potato instead of red skinned potatoes. The texture was wonderful and it was smoky and hearty! Definitely a keeper. I can’t wait to go home tonight and have the rest!

    Reply

  5. Shari

    February 28, 2019 at 9:22 am

    This sounds amazing! This will definitely be happening on this snowy weekend. I love how you detailed the IP instructions. When I first got mine, it was confusing and most recipes are not written as well as this one in that respect.

    Reply

  6. richard e martin

    January 30, 2019 at 8:12 pm

    I made this soup tonight just using salr,peppr, garlic powder and fresh onion for spices. Added mini purple, red, and yellow quartered potatoes, celery, and sliced carrots. Sauteed the onions in butter and oil then added veggies for 2-4 minutes. Added the dried yellow split peas and 2 cartons vegetable broth and pressure cooked for 12 min and then rested on warm letting the pressure drop for 12 min.

    The soup was excellent! So glad that I tried it.

    Reply

  7. Judy

    December 11, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    This soup is delicious! I made it exactly as written in the recipe (left out the optional liquid smoke). Coincidentally, I just bought fresh spices from Penzeys (spice merchant) making the flavors in the soup extra amazing. If you don’t have smoked paprika already, go get some! Can’t say enough about how good this soup is…A+

    Reply

  9. carolyn

    November 4, 2018 at 4:32 pm

    Just made this soup & it is delicious! In your directions you say add lentils, I believe that is an error. I dod add yukon potatoes & it is yummy. Will be a staple in my kitchen. Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply

  11. Daryn

    March 15, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    Just delicious! Super filling. I added 3 Yukon gold potatoes and it came out great. I also threw some Daiya Smoked Gouda “cheese” on top after cooking…I put that stuff on everything! I have been looking for a yellow split pea stew or lentil stew recipe that doesn’t have curry or cumin in it and one that is also not soupy. This fit the bill!

    Reply

  12. Suee33

    March 15, 2018 at 1:47 pm

    Made this soup last night with Split peas it was delicious!! Used the lemon juice as a finishing taste, lovely. Liked the slightly smoked taste, not too strong,
    Thanks

    Reply

  13. Jojo

    March 5, 2018 at 1:15 am

    Perfect pea soup! I don’t have an instant pot, so I made it in a regular pot. I didn’t even soak the peas over night, but cooked them on low heat with some baking soda in the water for a few hours. It came out just delicious 😊 Will definitely make again soon. Thank you for the great recipe

    Reply

  14. Sara

    March 3, 2018 at 11:19 am

    Lovely tasty soup and it was great to use my Instant Pot for something other than cooking rice, beans and making yogurt. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

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