Split Pea Soup

Name: Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6-8
Ingredients: Ingredients; 1 lb dried green split peas, rinsed; 1 meaty ham bone or 2 ham hocks (about 2-3 lbs); 8 cups water; 2 bay leaves; 1 large onion, diced; 3 carrots, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)