Homemade Split Pea Soup Recipe

In a large soup pot, melt the butter and add in the onion, carrot, celery, a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper. Saute the vegetables until they are completely softened then add in the garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Once garlic is aromatic, add in the split peas. Toss in the ham bone, bay leaves, a tsp of the fresh thyme. Pour the chicken stock and water over these ingredients and bring to a boil. Once the soup has reached a rolling boil, reduce to a simmer and allow to continue to simmer between 60-90 minutes. Stir occasionally throughout the simmer time until the soup has reached your preferred consistency and the split peas are fork tender. Add the diced ham in the last 20 minutes of cooking. Discard the ham bone and bay leaf and add in the remaining thyme. Serve hot with additional fresh thyme and garlic croutons