Hollandse Erwten (Split Pea) Soup Recipe
Description:
This hearty Hollandse Erwten Soup, passed down from my mother Ina, is a comforting dish perfect for chilly fall and winter days. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Onions |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 3 | Celery stalks |
| 2 | Baking potatoes |
| 1 | Thick slice bacon |
| 1/4 | Ham hocks |
| 2 | Quarts water |
| 4 | Quarts water |
| Salt | |
| Pepper |
Instructions:
- Empty split peas from the package into a bowl, then wash and check for any foreign matter.
- Dice the carrots, celery, bacon, and onion into 1/4-inch pieces; set aside.
- Peel the potatoes and quarter them; set aside.
- In a large 6-quart pot, add the thick slice of bacon over medium heat and stir-fry until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving about a teaspoon of bacon fat.
- Add the diced onions to the pot and cook until caramelized.
- Pour 4 quarts of water into the pot along with the split peas, and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the flame to low-medium and add the quartered potatoes and rinsed ham hocks.
- Cook for approximately 1 hour or until the potatoes are almost tender.
- Add the diced celery and carrots to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the ham hocks from the pot and shred the meat from the bones.
- Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes, thickening the soup.
- Return the shredded ham hock meat to the pot and stir well.
- Remember to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, although be mindful as the ham hocks may have added enough saltiness.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with croutons for an added crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 648.1
- Fat Content: 10.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 12.8mg
- Sodium Content: 236.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 102g
- Fiber Content: 40.5g
- Sugar Content: 15g
- Protein Content: 40.4g
Recipe Notes:
- This soup freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.
- Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the potatoes and split peas are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
- Feel free to customize the soup by adding additional vegetables or herbs according to your taste preferences.
- Serve this traditional Dutch soup at potlucks, winter gatherings, or as a comforting meal on weeknights, especially during the holiday season. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this beloved family recipe! 🍲🥣🥕🥔🥓
