# What You Need:
→ Legumes
01 - 2 cups dried split green peas, rinsed
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
→ Aromatics & Liquids
07 - 1 bay leaf
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 6 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Optional Additions
11 - 1 cup diced smoked ham or ham bone
→ Seasonings
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - Salt, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add split peas, diced potato, bay leaf, thyme, and broth. If using, add ham or ham bone.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until peas are soft and soup is thickened.
05 - Remove the ham bone (if used) and bay leaf. If using ham, stir diced ham back in.
06 - For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or blend half in a blender and return to the pot.
07 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
