Are you a fan of hearty and comforting soups? If so, then you have to try making pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker! This classic dish is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with the help of a pressure cooker.
The combination of tender split peas and smoky ham creates a soup that is rich in flavor and velvety in texture. The best part is that you can have a steaming bowl of homemade pea and ham soup on the table in less than an hour, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking.
Using a pressure cooker allows the flavors to meld together quickly, resulting in a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day. Plus, the high pressure helps to break down the peas, resulting in a luxuriously smooth and creamy soup.
So, if you’re ready to warm up with a bowl of deliciousness, let’s dive in and learn how to make pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you’ll be enjoying a homemade soup that is sure to become a family favorite.
What is pea and ham soup?
Pea and ham soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is made from dried green peas and ham. It is a classic dish that is popular in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom and Australia.
Ingredients
- Dried green peas
- Ham
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
The soup is typically made by simmering the dried peas with the ham and vegetables until everything is tender and the flavors have melded together. It is then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations
While the basic recipe for pea and ham soup remains the same, there are many variations that can be made to suit personal taste preferences. Some people like to add additional vegetables such as potatoes or leeks, while others may prefer to blend the soup for a smoother texture. Some recipes also call for the addition of herbs such as thyme or parsley for added flavor.
Pea and ham soup is often served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It can be enjoyed in any season, but is particularly popular during the colder months when a warm and filling soup is a welcome comfort.
Benefits of using a pressure cooker
1. Time-saving: The pressure cooker significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional cooking methods. It uses steam and pressure to cook food in a fraction of the time. This is especially beneficial for busy individuals or those who want to prepare meals quickly.
2. Energy-efficient: Pressure cookers require less energy to operate because they cook food faster. This can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
3. Retains nutrients: Pressure cooking helps retain more nutrients in the food compared to other cooking methods. The high pressure and temperature help break down tough fibers in food, making it easier to digest and enhancing nutrient absorption.
4. Enhanced flavors: The flavors of food are intensified in a pressure cooker. The high pressure forces the flavors to infuse into the ingredients, resulting in rich and flavorful meals.
5. Versatile cooking: Pressure cookers allow you to prepare a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, meats, vegetables, and even desserts. They offer a versatile cooking experience, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
6. Safety features: Modern pressure cookers come with built-in safety features such as pressure release valves and locking mechanisms to prevent accidents and ensure safe cooking.
7. Reduced kitchen heat: Using a pressure cooker keeps the heat in a confined space, preventing it from escaping into the kitchen. This can help keep the kitchen cooler during hot weather.
8. Easy cleanup: Pressure cookers are designed for easy cleanup. Most models have removable parts that are dishwasher safe, making the cleaning process quick and hassle-free.
Overall, the pressure cooker is a valuable cooking tool that offers numerous benefits. It saves time, energy, and retains nutrients while producing delicious and flavorful meals. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, the pressure cooker is worth considering for efficient and convenient cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green split peas
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Fresh green peas
When making pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker, using fresh green peas can elevate the flavors and textures of the dish. Fresh green peas are known for their vibrant color and natural sweetness, making them a perfect addition to this recipe.
To incorporate fresh green peas into your pea and ham soup, start by shelling the peas and removing any tough outer skins. This will ensure that you are only using the tender and flavorful peas in your soup.
Once you have shelled the peas, add them to the pressure cooker along with the other ingredients. The pressure cooker will cook the peas quickly, preserving their vibrant color and fresh taste.
If fresh green peas are not available, you can also use frozen peas as a substitute. However, fresh peas will give your soup a more pronounced flavor and a brighter green color.
Adding fresh green peas to your pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker will add a burst of freshness and sweetness to the dish. Don’t miss out on this delightful ingredient when making this comforting soup!
Ham hock
A ham hock is a joint of pork that comes from the pig’s leg, just below the hip. It is a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for making pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker. The ham hock adds a rich and smoky flavor to the soup, and the pressure cooker helps to quickly tenderize the meat and infuse the soup with its delicious flavors.
To prepare the ham hock for the soup, start by rinsing it under cold water to remove any excess salt or curing brine. Pat it dry with a paper towel, then place it in the pressure cooker along with the other ingredients for the soup.
As the pressure cooker heats up, the ham hock will begin to release its juices and fats, which will help to flavor the soup. The pressure cooker will also help to break down the tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful pieces of ham.
After the soup has finished cooking and the pressure has been released, carefully remove the ham hock from the pressure cooker. Allow it to cool slightly before pulling off the meat and discarding any excess fat or bones. Shred the meat into small pieces and add it back to the soup.
The ham hock will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the pea and ham soup, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker:
- Start by soaking the dried split peas in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the peas before using.
- Heat the pressure cooker over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and lightly browned.
- Add the diced ham to the pressure cooker and cook for a few minutes until it is heated through.
- Add the soaked and drained split peas to the pressure cooker, along with the bay leaves, thyme, and chicken broth.
- Close and lock the pressure cooker lid. Increase the heat to high and bring the cooker to full pressure. Once it reaches full pressure, reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pressure cooker from the heat and let the pressure release naturally. This may take around 10 minutes.
- Once the pressure has fully released, remove the lid and carefully remove the bay leaves.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pea and ham soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
This recipe makes a flavorful and comforting pea and ham soup in just a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop cooking. Enjoy!
Preparing the pressure cooker
Before you start making your pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker, it’s important to ensure that your cooker is clean and in proper working condition. Follow these steps to prepare your pressure cooker:
1. Assemble the necessary equipment
Gather all the equipment you will need to make your soup, including the pressure cooker, its lid, a cutting board, a chef’s knife, and a ladle.
2. Check the pressure cooker’s seal
Inspect the rubber seal around the rim of the pressure cooker lid for any signs of damage or wear. If the seal is cracked or torn, replace it before using the pressure cooker.
3. Clean the pressure cooker
Wash the pressure cooker and lid with warm soapy water, paying special attention to any areas with food residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.
4. Inspect the pressure release valve
Ensure that the pressure release valve is clean and in good working order. Remove any dust or debris and make sure it moves freely.
5. Set up the trivet
If your pressure cooker came with a trivet, place it at the bottom of the inner pot. The trivet will help prevent the peas and ham from sticking to the bottom and burning during the cooking process.
6. Measure and prepare your ingredients
Gather all the ingredients required for the pea and ham soup recipe and measure them out according to the recipe’s instructions. Prepare the ham by dicing it into small pieces and set it aside.
By properly preparing your pressure cooker, you’ll ensure that it functions correctly and that your pea and ham soup turns out delicious and perfectly cooked.
Equipment | Ingredients |
---|---|
Pressure cooker | Peas |
Pressure cooker lid | Ham |
Cutting board | Onions |
Chef’s knife | Carrots |
Ladle | Celery |
Cooking the peas and ham
To make pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker, you will first need to cook the peas and ham. Here’s how:
- Place the dried split peas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.
- In your pressure cooker, add the rinsed peas, diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and chicken broth.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set the cooking mode to high pressure.
- Cook the peas and ham on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes before carefully opening the pressure cooker lid.
- Mix the cooked peas and ham together to combine all the flavors.
Now that the peas and ham are cooked, you can move on to the next step in making your delicious pea and ham soup.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker?
Cooking pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time. It typically takes about 20 minutes under high pressure to cook the soup. However, it may take some additional time for the pressure cooker to come to pressure and release the pressure after cooking.
Can I use fresh peas instead of dried split peas to make pea and ham soup in a pressure cooker?
No, it is not recommended to use fresh peas instead of dried split peas in this recipe. Dried split peas require longer cooking time to soften and break down, which helps to create a thick and creamy texture in the soup. Fresh peas would not have enough time to cook properly in the pressure cooker, and the result may not be as desired.