Erwtensoep - Dutch Pea Soup

Pets'R'us's Note:

This soup is not a starter but a substantial meal, our favorite winter soup!! When cold the soup should be thick enough to slice, if not you did not make a good pea soup, (that is what my mother always told me!) Traditionally served with pumpernickel bread. Freezes well. I use 2 1/2 cups of split peas and find that thick enough, but for the true thick Dutch version you should use 3 1/2 cups. After a discussion with other Zaar members I like to add this: If you like, add some chopped carrots to the soup and you can make the soup without having to soak the split peas overnight.

• Total Time: 15 hrs
• Prep Time: 12 hrs
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3 ½ cups dried split green peas
• 3 liters water
• 1 lb spareribs
• ½ lb bacon , one thick slice, cubed
• 2 leeks , washed and chopped, also use the green part
• 1 medium celeriac, diced (celery root or bulb) or 3 cups of chopped celery (but the flavor will be weaker)
• 1 smoked dutch sausage or 3 -4 thick frankfurters , left whole or cut up in slices
• salt and pepper
• bouillon cube (optional)
• chopped celery
• fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

1. Wash the peas and soak them overnight in the amount of water given. Next day bring them to the boil together with the spareribs and the bacon; simmer on very low heat for approx 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add the leeks and the celeriac; cook for another hour or until the soup becomes thick. Lift out the spareribs, remove the meat from the bones, and return the meat to the pan.
2. Add the sausage, let it warm through and season the soup to taste and maybe add bouillion cube(s) , add the chopped celery leaves and parsley just before serving.

Reviews

[Gingerbear]

This soup is delicious. However, it did not thicken up real well for me and I had to use a little cornstarch to help it thicken some but that was my fault because I know that I used too much water. I made more than 4 servings and it made ALOT. I am going to have to freeze some. The soup is so wonderful and filling and all of the different meats in it is so good. Outstanding recipe. I will be making this again. Thank you very much.

[Chef #1049578]

this erwtesoep recipe is made of 100% win! I've made a few time now and it has been winner every time. Don't need to soak the split peas overnight, just start boiling them with the meat straight away. very good recipe :)

[Chef #835711]

This soup is great! My husband lived in the Hague for 12 years, and he says it is just like he remembers. We used ham hock instead of the bacon the first time, and Canadian bacon the second, and it was great both times. It is SO much better than any canned pea soups! It also freezes well, which is good since there are only the two of us now.