Split Pea Soup (with and without ham)

Get 2 pots ready with some olive oil. Add chopped onion, leek, celery, carrot, lots of thyme, a little oregano. Sautée for a bit. Add a bay leaf, broth or water, and split peas. Add a ham shank to one pot. Simmer for a few hours. Serve with homemade bread and arugula salad (and burnt cookies if you’re in the mood).