Ham and Split Pea Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 piece (about 2½ pounds) smoked, bone-in picnic ham
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 pound (2½ cups) split peas, rinsed and picked through
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped medium
• 2 medium carrots, chopped medium
• 2 medium stalks celery, chopped medium
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch sugar
• 3 small new potatoes, scrubbed and cut into ½-inch dice (about ¾ cup)
• Ground black pepper
• Minced red onion (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar