Traditional pea soup

Ingredients

• 4 cups yellow peas (dried), rinsed

• 1 cup bacon, diced

• 2 onions, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 3 celery stalks, diced

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 4 cups cold water

• 1 cup fresh herbs (oregano and rosemary recommended)

• 3 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons coarse salt

• 2 tablespoons black pepper

• Extra salt and pepper to taste

Warm up any chilly day with this classic, hearty pea soup inspired by Chef Exquidish’s grand-ma Marie-Claire. With bacon, fresh herbs, and plenty of veggies, it’s true comfort in a bowl.

Instructions

1. Prep the Peas

   • Place yellow peas in a large pot.

   • Pour in 1 gallon of cold water.

   • Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.

   • Remove from heat and let the peas soak in the pot for 1 hour.

   • Drain the water and set peas aside.

2. Prepare Ingredients

   • Dice bacon, onions, carrots, and celery.

3. Cook Bacon

   • Using the same large pot, cook diced bacon on medium heat for 10 minutes.

4. Sauté Vegetables

   • Add onions to the pot.

   • Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.

   • Add carrots and celery.

   • Cover again and cook another 10 minutes on low.

5. Combine and Simmer

   • Add drained peas, chicken broth, and 4 cups cold water into the pot.

   • Stir in coarse salt and black pepper.

   • Add fresh herbs and bay leaves.

   • Bring to a boil.

   • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.

6. Finish Soup

   • Remove bay leaves.

   • For thicker soup, blend with an immersion blender to your desired texture.

7. Serve

   • Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

   • Ladle hot soup into bowls and enjoy!
     ​This recipe captures the spirit, flavor, and nostalgia of grand-ma Marie-Claire’s legendary comfort soup—perfect for those seeking a cozy classic.