Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

To a large pot, heat the olive oil for 30 seconds before adding the onion. Cook down for 5 minutes on low heat. You do not want your onions to brown too much, so keep a close eye on them and stir often.
To the pot, add the minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook them for 5 minutes with the lid on stirring often to avoid burning.
Increase heat to medium-high and add the sea salt, pepper, thyme, stock paste, splits peas, "ham", tofu and bay leaves to the pot. Stir till every ingredient is well coated with vegetable stock paste and seasonings. Cook down for 3-4 minutes before checking carrots for tenderness. If fork-tender, increase heat to high and add water. If not, cook for another 3-4 minutes or until soft! Then, bring the soup to a boil then simmer for 20 minutes or until split peas are perfectly tender.
Serve with fresh lemon, thyme and red chili flakes.