Split Pea Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion – chopped

4 carrots – sliced thin

3 celery stalks – sliced thin

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1 can chicken broth

1 bag (16 ounces) split pea

1 ham bone and about 2 cups chopped ham

In a heavy pot with a lid, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 8 minutes. Add broth, split peas, ham bone, and 5 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and partially cover; simmer until peas are soft, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove and discard bone from soup. Using a hand held blender. Purée the soup until smooth. Add ham cubes, and simmer until heated through. If necessary, thin soup with more water. Season to taste. Happy Eating!!x