French Canadian Pea Soup

One of French Canada’s most authentic recipes.

1 pound dried yellow peas (2 ¼ cups)

8 cups water

1/2 pound piece of salt pork (or a large ham bone)

      – I like a large smoked ham bone

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped carrots

1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried savory

salt and pepper to taste

• Soak the peas overnight in cold water. 
• Drain. 
• Place in a pot with 2 quarts (8 cups) of cold water, the vegetables, the pork and the spices/herbs. 
• Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, and simmer until peas are tender (about 2 hours). If necessary, add more water as the peas are cooking.
• Remove the salt pork and chop it up (or the ham bone, and chop up the meat) and return to the soup. 
• Discard the bay leaf. 
• Correct seasoning and serve.