Grey peas and bacon

Grey peas with bacon are particularly popular in the winter since they form a hearty and nourishing dish. A bowl of these peas will warm you from the inside out and provide you with the energy you need to continue exploring the country. Grey peas with bacon are easy to come by, as the meal can be seen on many menus around the country. Choose the large peas if you have the option. There are two types: a smaller one and a larger one. Big peas are more traditional, but they are more difficult to raise and are becoming increasingly scarce. Even if you only have access to small grey peas, we are confident that you will enjoy this dish.

Ingredients

• 2 packets of grey peas (from local butcher), Bicarbonate of soda, Large pack of bacon with fat on (smoked is tastier), Salt & pepper, Soy sauce, 1 crusty loaf, Butter

Directions

• Put grey peas in a large saucepan add 1 tablespoon of Bicarbonate of soda, cover with boiling water.Keep topping water up to cover peas as they will swell.
• Soak overnight.
• Thoroughly rinse peas in clean water.
• Add peas back to pan season well with salt & pepper.
• Cover with boiling water.
• Bring to boil.
• When boiling turn down to simmer gently.
• Keep a watch on pan as it often boils over, and this is very messy.
• Cut bacon into bite size pieces and fry – adding good shake of soy sauce until just going crispy.
• Add bacon and fat from frying pan to grey peas.
• Bring back to simmer.
• Simmer for 2-3 hours.
• They will need to be topped up throughout cooking with boiled water and constantly stirred to desired consistency.
• Add more seasoning if required.
• Just before ready to eat slice crusty bread and spread with butter (to dip in grey peas).