Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried split green peas
• 4 (16 ounce) cans low sodium chicken broth
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• salt, optional and to taste