Quebec Habitant Pea Soup in the Slow Cooker

I'm back in the saddle again. After the slow December work month for my supply teaching career, things have been hopping this past two weeks, which is great because, let's face it, I have a mortgage to pay just like everybody else!

And, being back to work in addition to it being a new year, means I am taking steps to be healthier, and being at work away from my pantry full of potato chips is a good thing. I've been cooking regularly to ensure nice meals and good homemade lunches.

One of my favourite Quebec dishes is a hearty yellow pea soup. This soup is thick and yellow, and doesn't necessarily look appetizing, but, trust me, it is the ultimate cold weather comfort food, and will warm your soul as well as your tummy.

Now, there is a trick to this - you need to ensure that your peas get really soft, and open to share their yellow goodness! I used to have trouble getting the peas soft enough, until I got a tip from my friend who got her tip from her mom in Bulgaria.

First, you absolutely need to soak the peas for 16 hours. Do not take the short cut / hot water soak. Plan ahead, place the peas submerged in water in a covered container in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, drain the peas discarding the water. In new, clean water, boil the peas for 5 minutes. Drain, and discard that water, too. In yet more fresh, clean water, boil the peas for 10 minutes more.

Now, your peas are ready to begin the soup!

My recipe is simple. 

Incredients:

• 2 cups of dried whole yellow peas
• 1 ham bone (I had picnic ham)
• 2 or 3 celery stalks, including the leafy part, chopped fine
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 garlic clove, chopped fine
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 6 cups of water
• 2 bay leaves

Directions:

1. soak the peas, then boil them 2x in fresh water, as per Jivka's suggestion
2. place peas in the slow clooker, then all the other ingredients, with the ham bone on top.
3. cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or until the soup is mushy and thick!
4. remove bay leaves, ham bone.
5. salt and pepper to taste