Split Pea Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 6-8 peppercorns
• - salt
• 1 onion
• 2-3 cups water
• 4-6 whole cloves
• 4-6 small waxy potatoes, chopped (optional)
• 2-3 celery stocks or one fennel bulb (save the leaves and/or fronds)
• 2-3 carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• olive oil
• 1 pound green split peas
• 1 quart chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves