Dutch Green Split Pea Soup
A hearty Dutch green split pea soup featuring smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and flavorful kielbasa, perfect for comforting meals and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the Canadian-style bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Add the green split peas and boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 1 hour.
- Add the remaining cup of water and the bacon to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, partially cover, and let simmer for 1 hour.
- Add diced potatoes, chopped leeks, diced celery root, and celery leaves to the saucepan and cook until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Add sliced kielbasa, summer savory, and pepper, and cook until the sausage is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or parsnips along with the other vegetables. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the Canadian-style bacon and kielbasa with smoked paprika and a plant-based sausage. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth. This soup also pairs well with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or additional celery leaves for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, such as a Canadian Noodle Salad, for a balanced meal. Consider offering a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top for creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dutch Green Split Pea Soup contains roughly 322 calories, with 16g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 673mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, adding a bit of water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Is there a way to thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes after they’ve cooked, which will naturally thicken the soup without losing its texture.
Can I use dried split peas instead of uncooked ones?
Yes, dried split peas are the same as uncooked green split peas. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding to the soup. You might also want to increase the cooking time to ensure they become tender throughout.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).