Split Pea Soup with Ham - Hempler's Foods

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 2 medium carrots, diced small
• 1 medium celery rib, chopped small
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 pound Hempler’s Black Forest Ham, cut into 4 large pieces
• 4 slices Hempler’s bacon
• 2 cups (1 pound) green split peas
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for serving
• 1 bay leaf