This Instant Pot Pea Soup recipe can align with several dietary preferences and lifestyles:
Vegetarian and Vegan: When prepared with vegetable broth, this recipe is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets, omitting any animal products.
Gluten-Free: This recipe, using naturally gluten-free ingredients, is safe for those following a gluten-free diet.
Dairy-Free: This soup is inherently dairy-free, making it suitable for individuals avoiding dairy products.
Whole Food-Based: With the use of wholesome ingredients like dried peas and fresh vegetables, this recipe leans towards a whole food-based diet.
Plant-Based: Focused on plant-derived ingredients, this soup aligns with a plant-based eating approach, especially when vegetable broth is used.
However, it's essential to double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet specific dietary requirements, especially when it comes to pre-packaged items like broth or seasonings, as some might contain ingredients that don’t adhere to certain dietary restrictions or preferences.

This Instant Pot Pea Soup can be stored and enjoyed for several days when properly stored. Here are some storage guidelines:
Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Once cooled completely, store it in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: To reheat the refrigerated soup, simply warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat until heated through. If frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, you can gently reheat it directly from frozen on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, or using the defrost setting in a microwave.
Note: When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency as soups can thicken upon refrigeration or freezing.
Always ensure that leftovers are stored promptly after serving to maintain freshness and safety. And if there are any signs of spoilage or an off odor, it's best to discard the soup.

For this recipe, a 6-quart Instant Pot is an ideal size. It provides sufficient capacity to accommodate the ingredients comfortably without exceeding the pot's limit. The 6-quart size is quite versatile and commonly used for various recipes, including soups, stews, and more. It allows enough space for the peas, vegetables, and broth to cook together without overcrowding the pot, ensuring proper cooking and consistent results.

Split pea soup is popular across the United States, but it has particularly strong associations with regions like the Northeast and Midwest. In the Northeast, states like New England have a tradition of hearty soups, including split pea soup, which is often enjoyed during colder months. In the Midwest, it's also a beloved comfort food, especially in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin where it's commonly served in households and restaurants, sometimes accompanied by ham or smoked meat for added flavor. However, its popularity spans beyond these regions, with variations and renditions enjoyed throughout the country.

If you don't have celery available for the Instant Pot Pea Soup recipe, you can still proceed without it. While celery adds a nice flavor and depth to the soup, its absence won't significantly alter the overall taste. You can adjust by slightly increasing the quantity of other vegetables like carrots or onions to maintain a balance in flavors.

The soup will still turn out delicious with the main components—dried green peas, onions, carrots, and broth—contributing to its overall taste and texture. Feel free to customize the recipe based on the vegetables you have on hand or enjoy the soup without celery.

The number of servings can vary based on portion sizes and whether it's served as a main dish or a side. Generally, this recipe using one package (about 16 ounces) of dried green peas, along with vegetables and broth, can yield approximately 6 to 8 servings of soup when served as a starter or side dish. If served as a main course, it might yield around 4 to 6 servings. Adjusting portion sizes can help accommodate different serving needs.

The prep time for this Instant Pot Pea Soup recipe typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. This includes rinsing the dried peas, chopping vegetables (onion, garlic, carrots, celery), and gathering all the ingredients before starting to cook. Of course, individual prep times may vary based on cooking experience and efficiency in the kitchen.

The cooking time for this Instant Pot Pea Soup recipe is approximately 15 to 18 minutes under high pressure. However, this doesn't include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure or the natural pressure release time, which adds a few extra minutes to the overall cooking process. Overall, including pressurizing and release time, you can expect the soup to take about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish in the Instant Pot.