Dutch Pea Soup Recipe

Dutch Pea Soup, also known as Erwtensoep, is a beloved dish in the Netherlands, renowned for its hearty, satisfying nature. Imagine a steaming bowl of thick, green pea soup on a cold winter day. That’s Dutch Pea Soup in a nutshell. The Dutch take their winter soups seriously, and Erwtensoep is no exception-it’s not just a soup, but a meal. Packed with flavors, texture, and history, this soup has been a part of Dutch culinary tradition for centuries.

In the Netherlands, it’s not just a winter dish, it’s an institution. You’ll find it served in homes, restaurants, and at festivals. It’s the kind of soup that’s not afraid of a little cold weather, and in fact, it’s said that the soup is best enjoyed the day after it’s made-when the flavors have had the chance to meld together and the consistency has thickened. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially after a long day out in the chilly air.

Let’s dive into the recipe so you can make your own batch of this iconic Dutch soup at home!

Dutch Pea Soup Recipe

Making Dutch Pea Soup is simple and straightforward. The base of the soup is split peas, which cook down into a thick, creamy consistency, complemented by a combination of vegetables like leeks, carrots, and celery. But the real secret to this soup is in the smoked pork and sausage, which infuse the broth with a deep, rich flavor that’s truly unforgettable. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfectly suited for winter dinners or as a hearty lunch.

Ingredients Needed

To create a flavorful Dutch Pea Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb dried split green peas (split peas are the foundation of the soup, breaking down to create the creamy texture)
• 8 cups water or vegetable broth (for a richer soup, use broth)
• 2 smoked pork bones (this gives the soup its signature smokiness)
• 1 ham hock or 2-3 pieces smoked sausage (adds a layer of savory depth)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (these add extra creaminess and substance)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 leek, cleaned and sliced thinly (adds a mild onion flavor)
• 2 bay leaves (to enhance the flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely color contrast)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Peas And Meat

   • Rinse the dried split peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
   • In a large pot, add the peas and water (or broth), then bring it to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the peas cook for about 30 minutes.
   • While the peas are cooking, add your smoked pork bones and ham hock or sausage to the pot. These ingredients will start to release their flavors into the broth.

2. Add Vegetables

   • Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, leek, and bay leaves to the pot.
   • Stir everything together and continue to simmer for another hour, until the vegetables are tender and the peas have broken down. You may need to skim off some foam or impurities that rise to the surface during this process.

3. Seasoning

   • After the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened, season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you like it a little spicier, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.

4. Shred The Meat

   • Once the meat has cooked, remove the pork bones and ham hock. Shred the meat and return it to the pot. If using smoked sausage, slice it and add it back to the soup at this point.

5. Simmer And Serve

   • Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Check the seasoning once more before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with a thick slice of bread and a dollop of mustard on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in Dutch Pea Soup has a reason for being there, adding a unique element to the overall flavor and texture:

• Split Peas: These are key to the soup’s thick, hearty texture. They break down as they cook, creating a creamy, almost velvety consistency that makes this soup so satisfying.
• Smoked Pork and Ham Hock: The smoky undertones are what set this soup apart from other pea soups. The pork bones impart a rich, savory depth that’s absolutely essential for authenticity.
• Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and leek add sweetness and a mild, aromatic flavor, while the potatoes help thicken the soup and make it more filling.
• Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse the soup with a subtle herbal fragrance that ties the other flavors together.
• Smoked Sausage: The sausage (often rookworst, a traditional Dutch smoked sausage) adds a bit of richness and extra meaty flavor that complements the pork.

Expert Tips

1. Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: The beauty of Dutch Pea Soup lies in its slow simmer. Don’t try to rush it; the flavors develop and deepen the longer it simmers. Let it cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours for optimal flavor.
2. Use Quality Broth: For a richer flavor, opt for homemade broth instead of water. A good quality vegetable or chicken broth can add layers of flavor that really elevate the dish.
3. Adjust the Thickness: If you find the soup too thick after cooking, you can thin it out with a little extra broth or water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken up.
4. Refrigerate Overnight: This soup is often considered even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and intensify. Plus, it thickens up overnight, so you’ll have a true, hearty experience the next day.
5. Go for a Good Sausage: The type of sausage you use can make a huge difference in flavor. Traditional Dutch rookworst is ideal, but any good-quality smoked sausage will work.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version, replace the smoked pork bones and sausage with smoked tempeh or vegetarian sausage. You could also use a hearty vegetable broth in place of meat-based broth.
• Spicy Twist: Add some chili flakes or finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. This adds an exciting layer of heat to the soup, complementing the smokiness of the pork.
• Herb Variations: If you’re looking for a more complex flavor profile, experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. These can add a lovely aromatic touch, especially if you want to customize the flavor to suit your palate.
• Crispy Toppings: Serve the soup with crispy fried onion rings or bacon bits for a crunchy contrast that brings out the richness of the soup.

Final Words

Dutch Pea Soup is more than just a recipe-it’s a tradition. With its thick consistency, smoky flavor, and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that brings people together, offering warmth and comfort, especially during the cold months. Whether you’re sitting down for a cozy family dinner or preparing a comforting meal to enjoy over multiple days, this Dutch classic is bound to satisfy.