step 1
Place all the ingredients into a pan (except the butter) and include a pinch of salt and pepper. Add enough water to cover and bring to the boil.
step 2
turn down the heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, until the split peas are tender
step 3
remove from the heat and take out the bay leaves, cloves, and thyme. Add another dash of salt and pepper and the butter. Mash everything in the pan until everything is creamy but slightly rough. serve with your gammon/ham