Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep / Snert (EHR-ten-soop)

Dutch Split Pea Soup

Prep Time 2.5 hours
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
8
🔥 Calories 358 kcal

A thick, hearty split pea soup so dense a spoon stands upright in it, loaded with vegetables and smoked beef sausage — the quintessential Dutch winter warmer.

Nutrition & Info

380 kcal per serving
Protein 22.0g
Carbs 45.0g
Fat 10.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ celery

Equipment Needed

large stockpot ladle cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep earthenware bowl

Garnishes: sliced rookworst, celery leaves

Accompaniments: dark rye bread, mustard

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse split peas and add to a large pot with water. Bring to a boil, skim foam.

  2. 2

    Add leeks, celery, carrots, potatoes, onion, and bay leaves. Simmer 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

  3. 3

    Add the smoked beef sausage whole and cook 30 min more until peas have completely broken down.

  4. 4

    Remove sausage, slice into rounds, return to pot. Season generously.

  5. 5

    The soup should be thick enough for a spoon to stand in it. Serve with dark rye bread and mustard.

💡

Did You Know?

Erwtensoep is traditionally only considered ready when a spoon can stand straight up in the middle without falling over.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large stockpot
  • ladle
  • cutting board

Garnishing

sliced rookworst, celery leaves

Accompaniments

dark rye bread, mustard

The Story Behind Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep, also called snert, has warmed the Dutch through harsh winters since medieval times. It became the national winter dish, served at outdoor skating events along frozen canals. Every Dutch family guards their own recipe, but all agree it must be impossibly thick.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed winter lunch or dinner 📜 Origins: Medieval Netherlands

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