Dutch Pea Soup
Dutch Pea Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender green peas, savory meat, and aromatic herbs. The combination of smoky meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy lemon creates a comforting meal perfect for chilly days or family gatherings, offering a rich taste of traditional Dutch cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. metworst, ham shank, or pigs feet ⓘ
- 3 qt. water
- 1 medium onion
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 tsp. Accent ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. basil wine vinegar or light sherry ⓘ
- 1 pkg. (1 1/2 cups) whole dried green peas ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced parsley
Instructions
- Wash the dried green peas and soak them overnight.
- Chop the onion.
- Saute the onion and celery lightly in butter.
- Bring the peas slowly to a boil in water.
- Add tomato juice, chopped onion, celery, lemon juice, and the meat (metworst, ham shank, or pigs feet).
- Cover and simmer for several hours or until the peas are nearly tender.
- Before the last hour of cooking, add salt, rosemary, thyme, vinegar or sherry, and minced parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham hocks or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with a hearty vegetable broth and add diced potatoes for texture. Ensure to soak the peas overnight for the best results, which helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For added crunch, consider serving alongside 'Quick, Hot, Green Beans' as a refreshing side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency if necessary. The soup can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dutch Pea Soup contains roughly 137 calories, with 6g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1184mg per serving (51% 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 use split peas instead of whole dried peas?
Yes, you can use split green peas, which will cook faster and create a creamier texture in the soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as split peas typically take less time to become tender.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the soup?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a bay leaf during cooking or incorporating spices like smoked paprika or cumin. Additionally, a splash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth and umami to the dish.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just ensure it is cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.
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).