pea soup recipe

Ingredients:** - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed - 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham (optional) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)