Recipe(tried): Habitant Canadian Pea Soup (copycat)

Habitant pea soup is EXACTLY like the pea soup by best friend's mother used to make for us when I was a child. Someone told me about Habitant and when I tried it I couldn't believe how wonderful it was to taste this soup again. Hope this recipe helps.

CANADIAN HABITANT SOUP
Source: bluemoon downunder
Servings: 6

Note from source: My modification of Australian chef Huey's version of Canadian Habitant Soup! The preparation and cooking times below do not include the overnight soaking of the split peas.

10 5/8 ounces split peas, soaked in cold water overnight & drained
2 medium carrots, finely diced
2 celery ribs, finely diced
2 leeks, thoroughly washed and finely sliced
2 medium onions, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
10 5/8 ounces rindless bacon, rashers sliced(aka salt pork)
1 teaspoons fresh thyme
1 tablespoons parsley
4 cups chicken stock, reduced salt is fine
fresh ground pepper, to taste

After soaking bean overnight in cold water, drain them.

Place split peas, carrots, celery, leeks, onion, garlic, bacon, thyme, parsley and stock to cover in a large pot. Put lid on, bring to the boil and simmer rapidly for about 1 hour, or until the peas are very tender.

Blend the soup and season to taste.

Serve sprinkled with a little pepper with warm crusty rolls.