Dutch Pea Soup (Erwten Soep) With Beef
A hearty Dutch pea soup with beef and sausage, slow-cooked for deep flavor, perfect for cold days and comforting meals for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and clean the split peas and soak them overnight.
- In the morning, bring the peas to a boil, then reduce heat to low and add all ingredients including beef bones, stewing beef, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
- Simmer the soup for about 6 hours until flavors meld and meat is tender.
- Remove the soup from heat, allow it to cool slightly, then remove the meat and bones.
- Puree the soup in small batches using a food processor or blender until smooth.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot and add the chopped meat pieces and sausage.
- Heat the soup on low to medium heat until the sausage is cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot or cool completely before freezing for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a hint of smoked paprika. If you don’t have beef bones, you can use additional stewing beef or a combination of chicken bones for a different profile. Also, feel free to substitute the leeks with green onions or shallots if they’re unavailable. Be sure to soak the split peas overnight to ensure they cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it alongside Chilled Noodles With Cucumbers And Mushrooms for a refreshing contrast to the hearty pea soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dutch Pea Soup (Erwten Soep) With Beef contains roughly 35 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 use dried split peas instead of fresh?
Yes, dried split peas are the traditional choice for this recipe. Make sure to soak them overnight to ensure they cook properly and become tender during the simmering process.
What can I substitute for beef sausage?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute turkey sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasoning to maintain flavor in the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef and sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and additional root vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of water and omit the beef bones for a lighter, plant-based soup.
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).