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.

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings People

Calories 384kcal

Author Melissa Huggins

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

2 tablespoons preferred cooking oil or vegan butter (or a blend of both)
1 medium onion , diced
4 cloves garlic , minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (*optional)
2 bay leaves
3 stalks celery , sliced
2 large carrots , chopped into 1" pieces.
6 cups vegetable broth , low sodium
2 cups yellow split peas , picked over and rinsed (sub green split peas)
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (*optional)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt , more to taste
Fresh cracked pepper , to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Turn on the sauté feature of your Instant Pot. When heated, add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions and sauté until slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for about a minute.
Now 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
Press the 'pressure cook' button and set to high pressure. Set the time to 15 minutes (using the + or - buttons). The screen will then display 'ON' while the preheating is in progress (this could take 10-12 minutes). When the Instant Pot comes 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). Once the float valve goes down, you can carefully open the lid.
Remove the bay leaves and give it a big stir. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed. Let the soup sit for 3-5 minutes before serving so it can thicken up. *See notes for stovetop instructions.

Notes

Stovetop Instructions

Note: Dice the carrots, instead of chopping, and add them with the onions and celery.

In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in butter or oil until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
Add garlic and seasonings, sauté for 1 minute
Now add the 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 ½ - 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