Homemade Split Pea Soup with Ham (Rich and Cozy) - My Home Made Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 meaty ham bone or 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 1/2 cups (225 g) diced cooked ham
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
• Salt, only as needed
• Chopped parsley or thyme leaves, for serving optional