Instant Pot Mini Split Pea Soup

Affordable and delicious there’s a lot to like about this hearty Vegetarian Instant Pot Split Pea Soup. Top of the list (before the simple preparation or subtle smoky flavor) is how well the Instant Pot cooks the peas.  

For us, it’s always been a time gamble cooking pea soup on the stovetop. That’s because you never really know how long it’ll take for your dried peas to break down. Maybe 60 minutes? 90 minutes? With a pressure cooker, all of that uncertainty disappears.

Using our little 3-Quart Instant Pot Duo Plus, this recipe takes me 50 minutes from start to finish. With only 10 minutes of that being actual pay-attention-hands-on prep.

I’ve made it countless times with a variety of dried peas. From fancy organic ones to super cheap bulk bin peas, and most recently with an old bag I rescued from the back of our pantry (it was sporting a 2019 best by date). 

Regardless of age or type, the peas consistently break down. Resulting in a small batch of vegetarian split pea soup that’s all kinds of cozy and super easy to customize.  

Recipe Tips and Variations

This simple soup is a great opportunity to get creative. Below are a few tips and ideas for whipping up your own unique version. 

Salt: Taste your finished soup before adding extra salt. The salt level is going to vary based on the type of ingredients used. When I use a homemade broth or a low sodium option I usually want a little extra salt. When I make this recipe with a bouillon cube, no extra salt is needed. 

Herbs: We like the thyme on its own but you could try adding oregano or parsley too.   

Make it With Potatoes: A peeled and diced yellow potato makes a nice addition. Pieces that are about ½-inch thick turn out great – soft and tender but not mushy. 

Thickness: Using only the broth called for in the recipe will result in a fairly thick soup. I like to toss in an extra 1/4 cup of water for a slightly thinner consistency. Either way, the cooked soup will thicken more as it sits. If it’s too thick for your liking, stir in a few tablespoons of water to loosen it up a bit. Oh and if you’re not into a chunky soup, feel free to go at it with an immersion blender. 

Make Things Smokier: If you miss that smoky (aka hammy) flavor of traditional split pea soup add a splash of liquid smoke or vegan Worcestershire sauce. 

Brighten Things Up: Conversely, if you’re craving a lighter more vibrant flavor add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar to the finished soup. 

Toppings and Serving Ideas 

I like my split pea soup finished with fresh parsley or thyme, a heavy pinch of red pepper flakes, and served with a piece (or two) of crusty bread for dipping. For a bit more flair, try topping the bowls with a handful of toaster oven baked croutons, parmesan crisps, or toasted pine nuts.

While this soup is surprisingly filling on its own, you can also serve it with an egg and cheese toast, salad, or half a sandwich (like this yummy roasted red pepper, carrot, and hummus sandwich) for a more substantial meal.