Split Pea Soup is super easy to make, hearty and delicious. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold winter day. Try this one on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot.
In the instant pot on sauté or in a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain the bacon bits on paper toweling and set aside.
4 slices bacon
If using turkey or vegan bacon, add 1 to 2 tablespoons oil.
In the hot drippings or oil in the pot, cook the onions, carrot, and celery until the onion is clear, about ten minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute more, scraping up the fond or browned bits.
2 onion, 3 carrots, 3 rib celery, 1 clove garlic
If using a slow cooker or stockpot:
If you’re using a slow cooker or stockpot, you’ll need to transfer the vegetables to that vessel. Add the peas, water, bay leaf, and spice mix.
1 lb split peas, 4 to 6 cups water, 1 tablespoon Homemade Seasoned Salt, 1 bay leaf
If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6 hours. If using a stock pot on the stove, simmer the soup, covered for 2 hours.
If using the Instant Pot:
If using the Instant Pot, add the peas, water, bay leaf, and spice mix.
1 lb split peas, 4 to 6 cups water, 1 tablespoon Homemade Seasoned Salt, 1 bay leaf
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, set it to the manual setting for 20 minutes. Once the setting is complete, allow for a 10-minute natural release before releasing the pressure.
To finish the soup:
When the soup is done, adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper. If you like, use an immersion blender to smooth the soup to your preferred texture. Serve with reserved bacon bits.
salt, black pepper
Notes
To freeze: Divide the soup into meal-sized portions. Chill the soup completely in the fridge before storing in the freezer. Thaw and reheat before serving.Variations - There are lots of different ways you can make split pea soup. Try one of these easy variations:
Split Pea Soup with Ham - omit the bacon and add a ham bone or ham hock to the pot. Once simmered, remove ham bone and stir in bits of ham or leftover ham from a meal.
Split Pea Soup with Pork - Stir in leftover pulled pork, finely chopped at the end of the cooking time.
Vegan Split Pea Soup - omit the bacon or use a plant-based product instead. Using water, the soup will be naturally vegan.