Cozy Up with this Soul-Warming Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
• 12 cups (240-480ml) water
• 1 ham bone, ham hock, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional for smoky flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• Salt
• freshly ground black pepper