Dutch Split Pea Soup
A hearty Dutch split pea soup with smoky ham, sausage, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for comforting gatherings and cold days, offering rich flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the split peas, ham hocks, and water to a boil.
- Skim off the froth and simmer partially covered for 1 hour.
- Add the slab bacon and continue simmering for another hour.
- In a large skillet, sauté the leeks in butter for 8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the leeks and garlic to the soup along with the chopped celery and simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove the ham hocks and cut the meat into pieces.
- Return the meat to the soup and add the halved Polish sausage, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces.
- Simmer covered for 10 minutes.
- Let the soup stand overnight, uncovered.
- Reheat the soup and stir in the white wine and light cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with minced parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a smoked turkey leg in place of ham hocks. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water. Make sure to rinse the split peas well to remove any dirt or debris before cooking. Adding a bay leaf while simmering can enhance the soup's depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Dutch Split Pea Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Cabbage Rolls for a hearty Eastern European-inspired dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for brightness and consider adding a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup and warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. This will help maintain its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dutch Split Pea Soup contains roughly 474 calories, with 33g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 857mg per serving (37% 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 dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't include any wheat products. Just ensure that the bacon and sausage you use are labeled gluten-free, as some processed meats may contain gluten as a filler or preservative.
Can I freeze Dutch Split Pea Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove, adding a bit of water to adjust the consistency.
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).