Grandma's Pea and Rib Soup with Dumplings

Grandma's Pea and Rib Soup with Dumplings

This is a traditional family meal, passed down through many generations. It is full of flavour and very filling. It is dairy free and can be made gluten free by using gluten free flour.

Preparation time - 2 hours
Cooking time - 2 hours

Ingredients (serves 6)

for the soup

250g pack of dried peas

a rack or bacon ribs

1 leek

1 onion

2 carrots 

1/4 tsp salt

850ml water

for the dumplings

150g self-raising flour

75g vegetable suet

1/4 tsp salt

125ml water

To cook

1. The dried peas have sodium bicarbonate tablets. Dissolve the tablets in boiling water. Add the peas and leave to soak.

2. Crack the ribs and soak in water. After at least 2 hours, rinse the peas and ribs and add them to a large pan.

3. Chop the leeks, onions and carrots.

4. Add to the pan with ribs and peas, water and salt. Cook for 1 1/2 hrs or until the meat is soft and falling off the bone.

5. To make the dumplings, add the flour, suet and salt to a bowl. Add the water and stir to make a dough.

6. Roll into 3cm balls.

7. Add the the pan

8. Simmer for 20 minutes to allow the dumplings to cook and expand.

9. Serve, seasoned with black pepper.