Split Pea And Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

• 1/4 cups Cubed Lardons Or Bacon
• 1/3 cups Finely Diced Carrots
• 1/4 cups Finely Diced Celery
• 1/4 cups Finely Diced Red Onion
• 1/2 cups Finely Chopped Leek
• 3/4 cups Finely Chopped Mushrooms
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 2 teaspoons Bacon Fat Or Oil (if Needed)
• 1 cup Dried Green Split Peas, Unsoaked
• 6-1/2 cups Water (plus More If Desired)
• Salt And Pepper, to taste