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Erwtensoep

Name: Erwtensoep
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 105 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) dried green split peas, rinsed; 10 cups (2.4 L) water; 1 lb (450 g) smoked pork hock or pork belly; 2 large carrots, diced; 1 celery root (celeriac), about 12 oz (350 g), peeled and diced; 1 large leek, cleaned and sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 (14 oz / 400 g) smoked rookworst sausage, sliced; 2 tbsp chopped celery leaves, for serving

Thick as a blanket and green as the polder — the Netherlands’ legendary split pea soup, so hearty it is a meal in itself, loaded with ham, celery, carrot, and rookworst.

⏱ 20 minPrep time

🔥 1 hr 45 minCook time

🍽 6Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Erwtensoep, or snert, is Dutch pea soup so thick a spoon stands up in it: split peas cooked down with pork, celeriac, and carrot until velvety, finished with slices of smoked sausage. It is a winter ritual, eaten from deep bowls with dark rye bread.

The Dutch argue fiercely about the right consistency — thicker is better. It tastes even better the next day, so make a big pot and reheat gently.

Dutch / Belgian recipes →

Step by stepInstructions

Put the split peas, water, and pork hock in a large pot; bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 45 minutes, skimming off foam.
Add the carrots, celery root, leek, and onion and simmer for 45 minutes more, until the peas have broken down.
Remove the pork hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot; discard skin and bone.
Add the rookworst slices and simmer for 10 minutes more.
Season with salt and pepper — the soup should be very thick, almost porridge-like.
Serve in deep bowls with a shower of celery leaves and rye bread on the side.

💡 Chef tips & storage

The soup thickens as it stands; add a splash of water when reheating. It is famously better the next day.

Recipe details

Prep20 min

Cook1 hr 45 min

Servings6

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Erwtensoep

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Erwtensoep

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