Chunky Potato Split Pea Soup (Vegan)

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion (or leek), diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 crimini, white button, or shiitake mushrooms, diced (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 large or 2 small russet potatoes, unpeeled and diced
• 1 cup split peas (or lentils)
• 4 cups water, or as needed
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp salt, or as needed
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, or as needed
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2-3 Tbsp nutritional yeast, optional
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional)