Rinse the split peas and pick out any debris.
Cook the diced onion, carrot and celery in the oil in a large pot for 6 minutes. Add the garlic and smoked paprika for 1 minute.
Add the split peas, diced potato, broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then cover partly and simmer 50-60 minutes, stirring now and then, until the peas break down.
Remove the bay leaves. Mash or blend part of the soup for a creamier texture and season well with salt and pepper.
It thickens as it sits; thin leftovers with a splash of water. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Photo: Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger / Unsplash