Split Pea Soup with Ham

Name: Split Pea Soup with Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups chopped onion; 1 cup diced carrot ((1/4-inch dice)); 1 cup diced celery ((1/4-inch dice)); 1/4 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt (, to taste); 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper (, plus additional to taste); 2 cloves garlic (, minced); 1 pound dried split peas (, rinsed and sorted); 1 meaty ham bone; 1 large bay leaf ((or 2 small)); 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (, chopped and quantity divided); 6 cups chicken stock ((low sodium)); 2 cups water; 1 cup diced ham ((1/4-inch dice)); Buttery Garlic Croutons (, for serving)