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This is a warming and toothsome soup which can either be served as a starter, or as a main course in its own right. It is delicious on a cold autumn evening, and is nutritious and low in fat. As a filling soup, it is particularly suitable for those on a low fat diet. Be aware that the peas need to be soaked overnight before cooking to rehydrate. The following quantities serve 2.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Put the peas into a large bowl or jug and cover with plenty of cold water, and leave to soak overnight.
  2. Fry the onion until softened.
  3. Add the peas and soaking water to the onion, and make the amount of water up to about 500ml.
  4. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan – add the gammon as one or two large pieces.
  5. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the gammon is cooked through (tender) and the peas are soft.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat, and allow to cool slightly whilst dicing the gammon, at this stage do not return the diced gammon to the pan.
  7. Liquidise half of the soup, and return the gammon and liquidised portion to the pan.
  8. Heat for 5 – 10 minutes, until the soup is again piping hot and serve immediately, with crusty bread.