Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• Split Peas: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Ham Bone or Ham Hocks: 1 piece (about 250 grams)
• Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 2 cups)
• Celery: 2 sticks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• Carrots: 2 medium, chopped (about 1 cup)
• Fresh Thyme: 2 sprigs
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Water: 8 cups (2 liters)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes in a pressure cooker
• Total: About 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate) - requires attention to timing and seasoning.

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a pressure cooker, add water, split peas, ham bone or hocks, onions, celery, carrots, and fresh thyme.
2. Secure the pressure cooker lid and bring to high pressure. Reduce heat to maintain pressure and cook for 45 minutes.
3. After cooking, release pressure according to the pressure cooker's instructions. Remove the ham bone or hocks and discard.
4. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth or desired texture. Alternatively, transfer to a blender and puree in batches.
5. Return the pureed soup to the pressure cooker or a large pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through before serving.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a starter for your meal.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on average values; actual nutrition facts may vary)

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving (assuming 8 servings total)
• Fat: 7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy from the split peas and ham bone.
• Full of flavor from the ham and herbal notes from the thyme.
• Comforting and hearty, perfect for colder weather or as a comforting meal.

User Comments:

1. "This soup was so comforting! The perfect dish for a chilly day." - John Doe
2. "Love the rich flavor from the ham bone. This is definitely a keeper." - Jane Smith
3. "The addition of fresh thyme was a great choice, added a nice herbal note." - David Johnson
4. "Easy to make in a pressure cooker, made the dish very quick and convenient." - Sarah Brown

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful when releasing pressure from the pressure cooker, as it may be hot. Follow your pressure cooker's instructions for safe operation.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Soup may be slightly salty due to the ham bone, so add salt gradually and taste before adding more.