Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split pea soup served with a crusty loaf of bread is one of my favourite winter-warmer meals. It is also one of the most frugal! You can omit the bacon making it a vegetarian or vegan meal too.

Asian supermarkets are great for buying dried peas, beans, lentils, rice, and spices. It is worth popping into one if you have them locally. I have found that they are usually around 30% cheaper than the big supermarkets for these store-cupboard staples.

Ingredients for Split Pea Soup:

• 4 rashers streaky bacon (chopped)
• A little oil or butter
• 1 medium onion (peeled and chopped)
• 1¾ pints water
• 4 oz split peas (washed and drained)
• Bouquet garni or large pinch of mixed dry herbs
• Salt and pepper

Method for Split Pea Soup:

1. Remove the trivet and gently fry the bacon in a little oil or butter. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes.
2. Add the water, peas, Bouquet garni or dry mixed herbs and a little salt and pepper. Stir well and make sure the cooker is no more than half full.
3. Bring to high pressure and cook for 12 minutes. Allow pressure to reduce at room temperature.
4. Remove the Bouquet garni if used.
5. Either sieve or pass the soup through a blender until smooth.

Serve 4 to 6