Step 1

Soften Onions: Heat up Instant Pot using Sauté More function. Wait until it says HOT (~8 mins). Add in 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter or olive oil, then quickly add in diced onions to prevent the butter from burning. Season with a pinch of salt. Saute diced onions until softened (~2 mins). Add in minced garlic, a pinch of dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves, then saute for another minute. Optional: add in chopped carrots & celery, then saute for another minute.

Step 2

Deglaze Instant Pot: Pour ½ cup (125ml) unsalted chicken stock. Scrub all the brown bits off the bottom of the pot (keep the brown bits as they are very flavorful).

Step 3

Pressure Cook Split Pea Soup: Add in chopped carrots and celery if you haven't. Add 1 lb (454g) green split peas and 1 (2lb) ham bone or smoked pork hock. Pour in 5 ½ cups (1375ml) unsalted chicken stock. Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 15 minutes + 10 minutes Natural Release.

Step 4

Season & Thicken: Set aside the pork hock or ham bone. Give it a few quick stirs. The soup should thicken and come together. *Pro Tip: Ensure you taste the soup, then season with more salt (for reference, we added 2 large pinches of kosher salt). If you used smoked pork hock, cut the meat and add them in the split pea soup or serve them in sandwiches.

Step 5

Serve Split Pea and Ham Soup: This comforting Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is very filling, so you can serve it as a meal on its own. Enjoy~ :)