Old-Fashioned Pea Soup

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the peas in a large bowl. Cover with water and let soak for 4 hours or overnight at room temperature. Add water, as needed, so the peas are always covered. Drain. Discard the soaking water.

2. 2

   In a bowl of cold water, soak the salt pork for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large pot, brown the onions in the butter. Add the carrots and celery. Continue to cook for 5 minutes while stirring.

4. 4

   Add the water, drained peas, salt pork and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours or until the peas are tender and some have burst. Remove and compost the bay leaves.

5. 5

   Remove the pork from the soup and place on a work surface. Remove and compost any excess fat. Cut the pork into small dice and return to the pot.

6. 6

   Add the savory to the soup and mix well. Adjust the seasoning and serve.