Save that leftover ham bone, smoked turkey leg or ham hock and make this super creamy, hearty, delicious instant pot split pea soup with ham. Spiced up with ginger and curry powder, this curry split pea soups packs some serious flavor and is ready in under 30 minutes!
Split pea soup has never been easier guys. The Instant Pot strikes again! This pressure cooker split pea soup is super easy to make and just so comforting.
Seriously, add a touch of ginger and curry powder and you are talking major flavor. And of course that deep, smoky flavor from the leftover ham, turkey leg, or whatever delicious smoked meat you have chosen to use (like in this instant pot bean soup).
And yes, you can choose to use any smoked meat. Even bacon. Yes I said bacon. Because it's comfort food season guys, and Instant Pot split pea soup=comfort. So many good feelings.
Why this instant pot split pea soup recipe works
- Cooked in an electric pressure cooker, this soup is perfectly creamy (with no added cream) and ready to eat in under 30 minutes! It's a deliciously hearty soup.
- A touch of curry powder and ginger give the soup an extra zing of flavor.
- It's the perfect use for leftover ham bone or ham hocks, or leftover smoked turkey. The meaty ham gives such a delicious flavor!
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The ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts to make this split pea and ham soup recipe is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You definitely need either a ham bone (leftover ham or smoked ham hock works too), smoked turkey leg, pork/ham hock, or some kind of smoked meat. This is what's going to give our Instant Pot split pea soup that delicious smoky, meaty flavor.
Dried green split peas are key to making split pea soup. You can also use yellow dried split peas, but I prefer the heartier texture of the green peas.
Ginger paste and curry powder are used to give the split pea and ham soup and added burst of flavor. Choose whatever curry powder you like, or you can even use a couple tablespoon of this homemade panang curry paste or Thai massaman curry paste.
Variations and substitutions
- To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan split pea soup, omit the ham and/or smoked meat, substitute olive oil or coconut oil for the bacon fat and use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock.
- Any curry powder or a couple tablespoons of curry paste will work for the curry flavor. You can also omit the curry for a more traditional flavor.
- Add a touch (â…› teaspoon) of cayenne pepper for added heat if desired.
- If you don't have a ham bone, you can use 1-2 cups of diced ham, 8 ounces of crumbled bacon, or some shredded smoked turkey as a substitute.
- If you want to make your curry split pea soup heartier, add 1 cup of diced potato. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini, celery, cauliflower, etc.
- To make the soup creamier, add ½ cup heavy cream.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme and/or a bay leaf for a slightly floral taste.
Step by step instructions
- Heat the bacon fat or butter on the sauté function in the Instant Pot. Add the onions, ginger paste and garlic and sauté until soft.
- Add the ham bone, split peas, carrots, chicken stock and curry powder and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. *it will take a few minutes to come to pressure.
- Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, and use the quick release valve to release the pressure remaining. Remove the ham bone/hock if needed. Add additional salt and pepper to taste if needed. The soup will thicken as it cools.
And that's that. You're done. Not even enough time to watch a show on Netflix.
Expert tips to make split pea soup with ham
- If your soup is too thin, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until a slurry forms. Slowly add it to your soup while stirring until the desired thickness is reached.
- If the soup is too thick, thin it out with some additional chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- To freeze: Place the soup either in individual or one large freezer safe airtight container or freezer bag(s). I prefer to use freezer bags as they take up less space in the freezer. Store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight then heat on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add chicken stock to thin it out.
Frequently asked questions
Split peas do not require soaking before use. While soaking the peas overnight will speed up the cooking time, for this recipe it's totally unnecessary since we are already using the Instant Pot.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add additional chicken stock if soup is too thick.
Split pea soup freezes great. Place the soup either in individual or one large freezer safe airtight container or freezer bag(s). I prefer to use freezer bags as they take up less space in the freezer. Store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight then heat on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add chicken stock to thin it out.
Reader favorite pressure cooker soup recipes
If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below and let us know your favorite thing about it. We'd also love to connect on Instagram! Follow us at @went_here_8_this for awesome recipes and all sorts of fun food stuff 🙂
Recipe
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons bacon fat substitute butter
- ½ medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 16 ounces dry green split peas
- 1 ham bone substitute pork hock, smoked turkey, diced ham
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 whole carrots chopped in ½" pieces
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
Instructions
- Heat the bacon fat in the Instant Pot using the sauté setting (normal). Add the onions, garlic and ginger paste and cook until soft (2-3 minutes).
- Then add the ham bone, split peas, carrots, chicken stock and curry powder.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, and use the quick release to release the remaining pressure.
Expert Tips:
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- If your soup is too thin, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until a slurry forms. Slowly add it to your soup while stirring until the desired thickness is reached.
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- If the soup is too thick, thin it out with some additional chicken broth or vegetable broth.
-
- To freeze:Â Place the soup either in individual or one large freezer safe airtight container or freezer bag(s). I prefer to use freezer bags as they take up less space in the freezer. Store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight then heat on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add chicken stock to thin it out.
Cliff from California says
Delicious. I added the 4 slices of bacon I used to render the fat with a smoked turkey leg. I also added 3 stalks of celery and a cubed potato with the carrots. Bumped the chicken stock up to 7 cups since it thickened alot with the potato. I barely changed it so I can still give it 5 stars lol. Thanks for the recipe!
Danielle says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Marc Epstein says
Looks like a delicious recipe. I have a couple of questions. The reason for my questions is that I just found out that I have high blood pressure, and the doctor is having me cut out just about everything that I like to eat. While this recipe is fairly low in sodium, could I change the ham and/or bone to Flanken cut beef ribs, go with a very low sodium chicken broth and a lower sodium butter?
Typically, I do make mine with the beef listed above as the ham bones or other smoked meats you mention as being too salty, even with rising them very thoroughly.
Danielle says
Hi! You definitely can do that! As you can expect, the recipe will be slightly less flavorful without the saltiness of the ham, but will definitely be lower in sodium and totally work for the recipe 🙂
Marc Epstein says
Thanks for the reply. I have been using the Flanken cut beef ribs for years. I had been using the Manischewitz Split Pea soup starter mix. I will generally add more split peas and some barley and a ton of celery, but I don't add any more salt than is in the package. I also use chicken broth instead of the water they say to use.
Going to a modified version of yours should make a difference for me and I can adjust as needed.
I will do another reply when I make it. I need the beef.
Aline says
My favorite soup ever!!!! And I can't believe I never thought to make it in the IP until now!! I'll make your recipe this weekend!! Can't wait!
Danielle says
Hope you love it!
Eden says
Yum! This soup is full of flavor, hearty, and so comforting! It's perfect for all this cold weather we've been having.
Danielle says
So glad you like it!
Jo says
That is one hearty warm soup. Love how filling and delicious it looks. I looove thick fillinf soup! And the toppings are so perfect with wonderful flavors!
Danielle says
Thanks Jo!
Sara says
What an incredibly perfect Instant Pot recipe! Soup is SUCH a big part of our diet during the colder months, and this is so delicious, creamy, and comforting. Thank you!
Danielle says
Thanks Sara!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
I can remember my grandma making split pea soup standing over a pig pot on the stove.
I love how you simplified it for the Instant Pot! This would be perfect for a cold winter day!
Danielle says
Totally! Thanks Lori 🙂
Paula Montenegro says
I love this soup, so hearty and easy! I have been making it to great results Danielle! Thanks for sharing.
Danielle says
So glad you like it 🙂
Candice says
This is such a great recipe! I'm a sucker for split pea soup, and it was so good with that smoked turkey. The best part... I already had all the ingredients! If you don't have an Instant pot, it is worth getting one just for this recipe!
Danielle says
Thanks!
Veena Azmanov says
This soup is best for the weather. Full of flavors and best for a quick and easy Dinner option too.
Danielle says
It's awesome for cold weather!
Analida Braeger says
My family loved this soup and I loved all the tips to make this so quick! Thanks for a great recipe!
Danielle says
So glad you liked it!
Marisa F. Stewart says
WOW! I hadn't thought of adding ginger to split pea soup but once I saw your recipe I decided to give it a go. It was delicious - not overwhelming at all but adding another element of flavor. This will be a regular in our soup roster.
Danielle says
So glad you liked it Marisa!
Mahy says
I was looking for the soup recipe to make these holidays... the recipe I haven't tried before... and here it is! Love how it looks, and I can only imagine the richness of its taste - delicious!
Danielle says
Hope you get a chance to try it!
Alexandra says
Beautiful flavours in this soup - a delicious and warming comfort food meal for sure. A hit with the family.
Danielle says
Thanks!
kim says
Love this recipe! It is so easy to make and has the best flavor! Perfect for these chilly winter evenings.
Danielle says
Thanks Kim - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Jo Allison says
One of my favourite hearty, winter soups ever plus a doddle to make in my Instant Pot!
Danielle says
Totally!
Natalie says
This soup looks fantastic. I love the addition of ginger. I need to give this recipe a try. I'm all into comforting soups lately. It's perfect dinner.
Danielle says
It's so easy and has a great flavor with the curry and ginger 🙂
Catalina says
I am a soup kind of person! This soup looks comforting and hearty. I should put it on my next week menu!
Danielle says
It's totally comforting! I'm a soup person too 🙂
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
Split pea soup is my favorite! I have not made it in my instant pot yet, but I can't wait to give it a try! Thank you for sharing!
Danielle says
I love how quick and easy it is in the Instant Pot!
Gene says
The Instant Pot strikes again! Made me laugh, I love how this appliance makes us look good. Great recipe and well, yes Netflix, now you're talking.
Danielle says
Right? It makes us seem like we spend hours i the kitchen when in reality we're napping LOL!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I could eat this everyday. Mom use to make it and I havent had this in years. I really could use a bowl right now
Danielle says
I love how simple but flavorful it is. My mom used to make this too 🙂
Fatima Torres says
I love soup, but I've never tried split pea soup. Sounds delicious!
Danielle says
It's so perfect for the winter, and SOOO easy to make 🙂
Lisa says
I love peas and soup, so this is really the perfect recipe for me. It looks so wholesome and delicious too, can't wait to try it!
Danielle says
It's so easy to make too! Thanks Lisa 🙂
sara lafountain says
I have not made split pea soup in so long! I will definitely be trying it in my instant pot!
Danielle says
You totally should!
Tiffany Barry says
Yum! I just used my Instant Pot to make beef stew, but I really wanted some more soup recipes to try in it this winter.
Danielle says
The IP is so awesome, you can do so many things with it!
sincerelymissj says
Your pea split soup looks super yummy! Thank you for sharing!
Danielle says
Thanks so much 🙂
Annette, 3 Little Buttons says
Oooohhh your photos look wonderful. It looks really colourful and a bit of a crowd pleaser as a starter I would imagine.
Danielle says
It would def be an awesome starter. Thanks Annette!
Gervin Khan says
All food looks delicious and very tempting to eat. Love the food presentation especially the meat with the green sauce. Thank you for sharing this to us.
Danielle says
Thanks Gervin!
Marisa Franca says
I agree, a smoked ham bone, ham hock, or smoked turkey legs would be ideal for this recipe. What a beautiful color in the soup. This recipe is just another reason I need an Instant Pot in my life.
Danielle says
You should def get one! I love mine so much. However, you can make this in the slow cooker too if you wanted 🙂 Thanks Marisa!
Mahy Elamin says
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! I made my first instant pot recipe and my family, including my pickiest eater, loved it!!
Danielle says
Yay! Instant Pot cooking is so fun! And I love how quick it can be 🙂
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
I adore pea soup and love this recipe! I love the curry and ginger addition. I can't wait to make this after the holiday meal.
Danielle says
Thanks so much! The curry really adds a nice sweet flavor to it 🙂
Tracy says
What a great use of that ham bone! Perfect for a pea soup - one of my favorites!
Danielle says
Thanks Tracy!
tayler says
I just got an instant pot so I totally need to make this!
Danielle says
You def should!
Juli says
I love split pea soup! I love this one even more because it is cooked in the instant pot!
Danielle says
Thanks Juli! The IP makes it so easy 🙂
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
Your photos are so gorgeous -- that green is so vibrant! Looks and sounds like a delicious soup. I've never made split pea soup before and can't wait to try this recipe!
Danielle says
Thanks Marlynn! I love split pea soup because its so easy to make and do flavorful 🙂