15+ Quick Steps to Make Delicious Erwtensoep You’ll Love This Winter!
As the chilly winds start to blow, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Erwtensoep to wrap your hands around. This traditional Dutch split pea soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that promises comfort and satisfaction. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, you’ll be eager to whip up this cozy dish all winter long!
Before you can start cooking, gathering the right ingredients is essential. The blend of earthy flavors and hearty textures will come together beautifully in your pot. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
500g split peas
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 smoked sausage (rookworst)
1 liter vegetable or chicken broth
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
This soup is beloved for its simplicity and heartiness. The combination of split peas and smoked sausage creates a depth of flavor that warms you from the inside out, making it a perfect winter companion.
To ensure your soup has the best texture, you’ll want to rinse and soak the split peas. This helps remove any dirt or impurities and allows them to cook more evenly. You can soak them for a couple of hours or even overnight for an extra creamy consistency.
Soaking split peas is a game changer. It not only shortens the cooking time but also helps the peas break down into that delightful creamy texture that makes Erwtensoep so famous.
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
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In a large pot, heat a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they’re tender and fragrant. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and builds a flavor foundation for your soup. Stir them gently and watch as they transform into a colorful mix that fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.
This technique of sautéing before simmering is what takes your soup from good to great. It’s like layering flavors, ensuring each spoonful is bursting with goodness!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 10 min Total Time: 1 h 10 min.
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Once your vegetables are beautifully sautéed, it’s time to add the soaked split peas and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to let it simmer. This slow-cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together while the split peas soften and thicken the soup.
The magic happens during this simmering phase. As the peas break down, they create a rich, creamy base that makes every bite heavenly. You’ll find it hard to resist peeking in the pot to see how it’s coming along!
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 4 h 30 min Total Time: 4 h 30 min.
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After the soup has simmered for about an hour, add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Let it cook for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the sausage to infuse its smoky flavor throughout the soup. The combination of the sausage with the split peas creates a balance that is simply irresistible.
This is the moment when your kitchen will fill with the most comforting aroma. The smoky richness of the sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy peas, making each bowl a true taste of tradition. You might even want to make extra sausage on the side for munching!
Rating: 4.1. Ingredients: Pork belly, pork chop, smoked sausage, ribs, dried green split Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
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Once everything is cooked to perfection, season your Erwtensoep with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
This final step transforms your soup into a feast. The vibrant colors, fresh herbs, and savory aroma will invite everyone to the table, making it the perfect dish for sharing with family and friends. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!
