Instant Pot Split Pea Soup - Simply Happy Foodie (2024)

FAQs

Why are my split pea soup peas not softening? ›

If your split peas don't get soft, it's more likely they are old or were stored in a container that wasn't airtight.

Yes, simmering the soup longer can naturally thicken it as the split peas continue to cook and release starch.

A one-pound bag of split peas contains about 2 cups, enough to make two batches of this soup, and costs about $1.

Thankfully, Epstein notes that -- unlike dried beans, which need to be soaked overnight -- split peas require no soaking, because they cook much faster. Between prep and cooking time, this recipe can easily come together in about an hour, even with the added task of pea-sorting.

If the peas are very old and dried out, they won't soften.

The common denominator will probably be meat (ham bones are common), more salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to take a shortcut, you could use bouillon cubes or paste to provide both meaty flavor and salt, though pork is a lot harder to find than chicken or beef. Salt and pepper you can just stir in.

Bring about 1.5 cups of water or broth to a boil for every cup of lentils or split peas. Add the lentils, allow water to return to boiling, reduce heat, partially cover pan, and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the variety.

While green peas do not cause many problems, dried peas which are split peas, have these side effects. Too many split peas can cause gas buildup in the stomach and cause discomfort. However, taking split peas in regulated quantities can help avoid gastric problems.

Using onions, garlic, and fresh spices like thyme will add flavor to the soup. The real trick to making a bland pea soup extra tasty is using a bone or ham hock in the soup during the cooking process. Chicken broth will also add flavor to the soup.

Whether you soak or not, split peas should be rinsed, simply to remove dust or dirt. You can also soak them in water to pick them over for stones, but the chances of finding one are slim.

Is it OK to not rinse split peas? ›

Always “sort and rinse” dry split peas. "Sorting" mean looking through dry peas for rocks, broken peas, and non- split pea pulses and remove them. Rinse dry peas under cool water before adding to recipes. This helps remove dust and dirt.

Split peas and lentils tend to get overcooked. Once I figured out that they don't need to reach the State of Horrifyingly Mushy, my legume cookery horizons expanded dramatically. Actually, I find it pretty amazing that more people don't cook with dried peas and lentils.

Update: If you overcook, the soup will get even thicker than usual! and turn a little bit of an olive drab color--it will still taste good though!"

Add the split peas to a pot with your preferred cooking liquid—water, vegetable broth, and bone broth are all good options. Bring to a boil over high heat, stir, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the split peas are tender but not mushy and most of the liquid is absorbed. It should take about 20 minutes.

Why Are My Split Peas Not Softening? In this soup, the peas should be soft after about 1 to 1 1/2 hours cooking time. If you take a taste after this time and they haven't softened, your peas are likely stale. Buy a fresh batch before making the soup again.

Rinse the split peas in a colander under cold water. Transfer the peas to a medium-size pot along with water, or stock, and salt. Bring the peas to a boil over high heat. Add on a lid and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes or just until tender.

Also, the split peas should be tender-but-not-mushy.