Green and Yellow Split Pea Soup

Great fall recipe. 
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium potato, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
2 cups split peas
7 cups water
1 bay leaf
2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the potato, peas, water, bay leaf, salt and pepper, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peas are very soft and the soup is thick., about 1 hour.