Best Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 8 cups water
• 2 cups (a 1 lb. bag) of dry split peas
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder ((optional))
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 large russet potato (, chopped into cubes)
• Salt and Pepper to your taste.