Split Pea Soup Recipe with Ham

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, (finely chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 lb ham steak, (skin removed, cut into quarters (see note))
• 3 slices (4 oz) thick-cut bacon, left whole (see note)
• 1 lb (about 2 cups) green split peas, (picked through and rinsed)
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, (plus more for serving)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 medium carrots, (cut into ½-in (13-mm) pieces)
• 1 medium stalk celery (cut into ¼-in (6-mm) pieces)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh croutons, (for serving (optional; see instructions below))