Oma's Split Pea (Erwten) Soup

MissChief's Note:

The closest I've come to my mother-in-law's absolutely delicious split pea soup. I've even converted a few friends who said they didn't like pea soup. With autumn in the air, it's the perfect time to start thinking about some good and hearty pea soup. I usually double the recipe and freeze half.

• Total Time: 3 hrs
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 cups dried split peas
• 3 quarts water
• 1 pig's foot , split & cracked OR
• 1 ham hock
• 1 cup bacon , cubes
• 1 smoked dutch ring sausage , sliced
• 1 lb potato , peeled, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 bunch celery , with leaves
• 2 medium sized leeks , chopped
• 2 medium onions , chopped
• 2 medium carrots , coarsely grated
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions:

1. If tenderized peas are used, simply cover them with the water and boil according to the package directions. (If not, wash peas, soak for 12 hours or overnight in the water, and boil for 1 hour in the water in which they were soaked.)
2. Add ham hock and all remaining ingredients except the sausage and parsley.
3. Cook for two hours over medium heat or until meat is tender. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat and reserve.
4. Continue cooking until soup is smooth and thick. Remove bay leaf. Add shredded meat and sausage. Simmer for 5-10 minutes longer.
5. Serve hot with parsley sprinkled over.

Reviews

[L.A. Stewart - way upstate N.Y.]

Ok, now I have to say...this is the first time I've really gone out of my way to make a soup...but I was craving my dutch mothers split pea and tried this. I soaked the peas overnight..and they were still a bit crunchy in the morning, so I wasn't sure I got the right kind...but...went ahead with the recipe as directed. After this cooked for about two hours, sure enough, they softened up, and the house started to remind me of "home". This was the EXACT flavor and texture I was looking for. I DID double the recipe, and am glad I did, because I'm not sure this will last the week...and if it does, I will certainly freeze for a rainy day lunch. Thank you SO much for sharing this amazing recipe! A "keeper" for sure!!!! xo LA :-)