French Canadian Pea Soup

French Canadian Pea Soup

By Anna Badenhorst

Serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (454g bag) dried yellow peas (whole)
• 10 cups chicken broth
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried savory salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Wash and sort the peas, put in a large saucepan, and bring to a boil in the chicken broth.
2. Remove peas from the heat and let it sit for 1 hour.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil and simmer until the peas are very tender (about 2 hours), adding more water if needed.
4. Remove the ham hock, peel off and discard the skin, and shred the meat into small pieces.
   Return shredded ham to the soup.
5. Bring to a boil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. For a thick, smoother texture, purée using a stick immersion blender (or a potato masher).
7. Serve hot.