Easy split pea soup in the Instant Pot (erwtensoep)

Looking for a comforting, hearty soup that delivers deep flavour without hours of cooking? This traditional Dutch split pea soup is made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. The pressure-cooking method softens the peas perfectly and allows the flavours of vegetables, smoked bacon, and sausage to fully develop in a fraction of the usual time.

The result is a thick, satisfying soup with minimal preparation and maximum consistency. Everything cooks in one appliance, making it ideal for cold days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd without standing over the stove.

Servings: 4–6 people
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: approx. 55 minutes
Appliance: Instant Pot multicooker

Ingredients

• 500 g dried split peas, rinsed
• 400 g celeriac, diced
• 300 g carrots, diced
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 250 g smoked bacon, diced
• 5 celery stalks with leaves, finely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 litres beef stock or water with 4 stock cubes
• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• Extra chopped celery leaves, for garnish

Preparation method

Prepare the ingredients
Add all ingredients to the inner pot of the Instant Pot, except the smoked sausage and the garnish. Stir well so the split peas are evenly distributed among the vegetables and liquid.

Pressure cook the soup
Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select the Soup program and set the cooking time to 20 minutes. This ensures the split peas are fully cooked and the soup develops a thick, rich texture.

When the program finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 20 minutes. Carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.

Add the smoked sausage
Open the lid and stir the soup. Add the sliced smoked sausage, close the lid again, and leave the soup on Keep Warm for 10–20 minutes so the sausage heats through and releases its flavour.

Rest and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, finished with chopped celery leaves. Traditionally enjoyed with rye bread and mustard.

The Instant Pot makes preparing split pea soup simple and reliable. Pressure cooking ensures evenly cooked peas, rich flavour development, and a consistent texture, all while significantly reducing cooking time compared to stovetop methods.

Discover more comforting meals in our Instant Pot recipe collection.

Thinking of expanding your kitchen setup? Explore our full Instant Pot multicooker collection and find the model that fits your cooking style.