Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Heartwarming Comfort - The Pass and Provisions

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
• 12 cups (240-480ml) water
• 1 ham bone, ham hock, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional for smoky flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste