Split Pea Soup Recipe with Ham

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 pound ham steak, skin removed, cut into quarters (see note)
• 3 slices (4 oz) thick-cut bacon, left whole (see note)
• 1 pound green split peas (about 2 cups), picked through and rinsed
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for serving
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 medium carrots, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 medium celery rib, cut into ¼-inch pieces
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh croutons, for serving (optional; see instructions below)