Recipe Instant Pot® Spilt Pea & Ham Hock Soup

[kaneohegirlinaz]

Instant Pot® Spilt Pea & Ham Hock Soup

serves 6-8

Ingredients:

2 Smoked Ham Hocks
6 C. Water, approximately, it should cover the Hocks
¼ C. Unsalted Butter
1 C. Onions, Chopped
1 C. Carrots, ½" dice
1 C. Celery, ½" dice
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 lb. Split Peas, rinsed and sorted
1 large Bay Leaf
½ tsp. dried or ½ Tbsp. fresh Thyme
1 C. diced Ham (optional)
Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Method:

In the Instant Pot®, add the Hocks and just enough Water to cover, at least 6 cups
Cover and seal the IP, set to Manual - high pressure for 45 minutes
Allow a 20 minute natural release and then quick release
Set the Hocks aside to cool, then pick off the meat and reserve
Set the Ham Hock Broth aside
Wipe out the liner and return to the IP
Set to Sauté; melt the Butter
Once the foaming subsides, add in the Onion, Carrot and Celery, sauté until just crisp-tender, about 3 minutes
Sauté the Garlic until fragrant
Turn off the IP
Add in the Split Peas, Bay Leaf, Thyme, Ham if using, 6 cups reserved Ham Hock Broth, you might have to add some water, and the reserved Ham Hock Meat; stir well
Cover and seal the IP; set to Manual - high pressure for 20 minutes
Allow a 15 minute natural release and then quick release
Adjust seasoning with Salt and Pepper to taste

*Cook's Note: Add as much or as little diced Ham and/or Ham Hock Meat as preferred