Drain the peas. Place in a large saucepan with enough water to cover.
Bring to the boil and simmer for about 1 hour until
tender, adding boiling water as the mixture dries.
Fry (sauté) the onions in the oil for 2 minutes,
stirring. Add the potatoes and fry, stirring for 5
minutes until golden.
Add this mixture to the peas
with the rice and more water, simmer for 10-15
minutes. When tender, puree in a blender or food
processor, adding more water to thin slightly (the
soup should be very thick).
Add lemon juice and salt
to taste. Ladle into bowls and drizzle with olive
oil. Serve with olives and lots of sesame seed
bread.