Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) split peas
• 5 1/2 cups (1300 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground black pepper or to taste
• 1 fresh or dry bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh Italian parsley, minced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 (250 g) medium onion, diced
• 4-5 oz. ( 150 g) smoked ham or 3-4 strip smoked bacon, diced
• 1 (350 g) medium russet potato, diced
• 2-3 (200 g) carrots, diced
• 2-3 (150 g) ribs/stacks celery, diced