• Set Instant Pot to SAUTE and add the olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, saute for 4 – 5 minutes (feel free to skip this step entirely).
• Add split peas, cabbage, herbs de provence, bay leaves, and at least 5 cups of broth, and stir to combine.
• Attach lid and turn to lock, set the valve to SEALING, and manually set to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. When done, let natural release for 10 minutes. Remove bay leaves, season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the parsley.
• Using an immersion blender, puree the soup to desired consistency. Alternatively, puree using a food processor or blender (may take 2 – 3 bathes).
• Serve: Pair with your favorite artisan bread, or top with crispy roasted chickpeas.
• Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 – 6 days. Store in mason jars or to-go containers for easy grab-n-go lunches. Freezes well for up to 2 months, just let thaw before reheating.

Notes

• Make this oil free by using 1/4 cup water in place of oil when sauting on the stovetop.
• *For a very thick split pea soup, thick enough for a spoon to stand alone in the center, use 8 cups of broth and water. Use 10 for a soup that will be a little thinner, and 12 for a somewhat thin soup. When in doubt, it's better to use a little less broth and water and add more as needed. Reason being, you can’t thicken a soup, as easily as you can thin it. Use your best judgement.