Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried peas
• 1 medium onion - peeled and finely diced
• 2 medium carrots - peeled (if necessary) and finely diced
• 2 leeks - chopped
• 4 rashers bacon
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Soak the dried peas in 1 pint of cold water for about 8 hours (preferably overnight).
2. Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry in butter along with the diced onion.
3. When browned, add the other vegetables and toss. Continue to simmer for a minute or two.
4. Drain the peas and put them into a pot with 2 pints of water or vegetable stock.
5. As soon as the peas begin to boil, add the bacon/onion/veg mix to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer until done, stirring occasionally.

Serves 4 - Stirring in a little cream or full milk towards the end gives a richer soup.