The one where I got served

A meal that is. The great beginning to a lovely night. A small picnic at the port of Antwerp (don't ask), coming home to a glass of wine and the boyfriend preparing the best dinner for a cold Wednesday evening. He made me a lovely pea - mint soup, with bacon and a slice of oven baked Turkish bread. What else can a girl ask for? The recipe of course!

Ingredients

• 250 g dried peas
• 1 onion
• 1 stalk of leek
• 2 small carrots
• Stock cube
• 100 - 150 g of bacon (or just as much as you like)
• Bunch of mint
• Loaf of (Turkish) bread
• Pepper
• Salt

What to do?

1. Let the peas sit in water for about 8-10 hours.
2. Chop up all the other vegetables.
3. Heat butter in a soup pan. Add the vegetables, besides the peas.
4. Let the vegetables simmer for a bit.
5. Add the peas.
6. Add water so that all the vegetables are covered.
7. Add the stock cube.
8. Let them cook until all vegetables are tender.
9. Use a blender or a regular mixer to blend the whole thing.
10. Add some more water if you feel as if the soup is too thick. I kinda like it thick, but not too much.
11. Add some sprigs of mint and mix again.
12. Add pepper and salt to taste.
13. Cook the bacon until crispy and golden / brown.
14. If you prefer a slice of warm bread or toast, put it in the oven until it's just as crispy as you like.
15. Put the soup in a bowl and add some more mint.
16. Put the bacon on top. Add some more pepper and / or salt.
17. Serve with sliced bread. Et voilà, bon appétit!

So, how do you feel about cold winter nights? Aren't they perfect for some warm, filling soup?

Now, I'm almost off to bed but still craving something sweet. A cup of tea and some chocolate that is! Sweet dreams!

Love,
Julie