Split Pea Soup with Ham - Chew Nibble Nosh

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves (or 1 Tbsp. dried)
• salt and pepper
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) reduced fat chicken broth
• 1 bag (16 oz.) green split peas, rinsed and picked through
• Ham bone or 1-2 ham hocks
• 5 cups water
• 2 cups ham, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 4 slices whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed, and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1-2 Tbsp. lemon juice (optional)