Split Pea Soup on the Stove

1.  Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery and sauté over medium heat for about 8 minutes, until the onions are translucent
2. Add the vegetable broth (start with 7 cups), split peas, smoked paprika, oregano,  salt, cumin, pepper, and bay leaves, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, until the split peas are tender (check the soup after 45 minutes and if it's too thick, add another cup of broth). Remove and discard the bay leaves before eating the soup.

Split Pea Soup on the Instant Pot

1. Set the instant pot on sauté mode. Pour the olive oil and wait until it's done reheating
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and sauté for 7 minutes, stirring often
3. Add 7 cups of broth or water, split peas, salt, and the rest of the spices and herbs
4. Close the cover of the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.  Let the steam release on its own before carefully opening the lid and enjoying the soup. Remove and discard the bay leaves before eating the soup.
5. If the soup is too thick you can add the remaining cup of broth