Ærtusúpa (pea soup)

Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and soak them for 1 hour if you can.
2. Fry the diced bacon in a large dry pot for 5 minutes, until golden.
3. Add the sliced onion, diced carrots and leek, then fry for another 5 minutes.
4. Add the drained peas, the water and the bay leaf, then bring to the boil.
5. Simmer gently for 75 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the peas are soft and falling apart.
6. Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, then serve piping hot.