Which Instant Pot model is the best?

There are a bunch of models to choose from, but after doing my research, I decided to go with the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart 9-in-1 Function. Yep, it really is a 9-in-1 appliance! It's a Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Tofu Egg Cooker, Sterilizer, Steamer, Warmer, and it Sautés.

All that in one little pot! Aaamazing!

Now, the name "Instant" Pot could be slightly misleading because it doesn't really cook food in an instant. However, most meals are cooked in under 15 minutes, and it's completely hands-free. Also, the pot takes about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure, so you'll need to consider that time too.

Bottom line, it's worth it and so darn easy to use!

Ingredients needed for Yellow split Pea Soup

Cooking oil (or vegan butter)
Onion
Garlic
Celery
Carrots
Dried Thyme, Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Crushed Red Pepper, and Bay Leaves
Vegetable Broth
Yellow Split Peas
Liquid Smoke
Salt and Pepper

* For an even heartier soup, add 2 medium red-skinned potatoes along with the carrots and celery. No need to peel them, just cut into 1 ½ " cubes.

How to make yellow split pea soup in the Instant Pot

Dice the onions, slice the celery, and chop the carrots into 1-inch chunks. Cutting the carrots into larger pieces will prevent them from turning into mush.
After prepping your veggies, turn on the sauté feature of your Instant Pot. When heated, add the oil and butter. Once melted, add the onions and sauté until slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

sauteing onions with seasonings to make yellow split pea soup.

Now add the garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Now sauté for about a minute to release the aromatics.

* Feel free to omit the crushed red pepper if you don't want the added heat. I love the smokiness from the smoked paprika, but you can use regular paprika if desired.

cooking onions, seasonings, celery and carrots in the instant pot.

Now add the carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling heavenly right about now!

Adding broth to the Instant Pot to make yellow split pea soup.

How to seal the Instant Pot

Cancel the sauté function and add the broth, lentils, liquid smoke, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Close and secure the lid. Turn the steam release handle to the Sealing position. Push the Pressure Cooker (Manual Setting) button to high pressure and set the time to 15 minutes by using the + or - button.

The screen will then display ON while the preheating is in progress (this could take 10-12 minutes). When the Instant Pot has come to pressure, you'll see the 15 minutes displayed on the screen again.

The cooker will beep when the time is up. Don't touch anything, just let the pressure naturally release for another 15 minutes. Now, carefully turn the steam release handle to the Venting position (It will loudly spurt out lots of steam and some water). Once the Float Valve goes down, you can carefully open the lid.

Fully cooked Yellow Split Pea Soup in the Instant Pot with a ladle inside.

Remove the bay leaves and taste for seasoning, and add more if needed. Let the soup sit for 3-5 minutes before serving to give it time to thicken up. If it's too thick for your taste, you can add a small amount of water or vegetable broth.

Topping Ideas

Browned and crumbled vegan sausage
Vegan sour cream
Vegan cheese shreds
A sprinkle of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper
Fresh-cut chives, green onions, or your favorite fresh herbs
A squeeze of lemon

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would make my day!

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