Dutch Pea Soup

prep time:: null overniight and 3 1/2 hours cooktime
total time:: null overnight and 4 hours

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Warmth and love are both contained in this traditional Dutch soup.Great-Grandma Borgman always said it was “hotter than Dutch love” when the weather was really, really hot.

ingredients

1 lb split green peas
1 cup ham, cut in chunks or a leftover ham bone with some ham attached
3 quart water
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cup diced celery
3 medium onions, diced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced or shredded
2 carrots, peeled and diced
parsley to taste
1 cup milk

directions

1
Soak peas overnight in cold water to cover completely.Pour off this soaking water and replenish with fresh 3 quarts of water.
2
Add ham bone and simmer for 2 hours.
3
Add salt and pepper to vegetables and cook for one hour longer, or until everything is tender.
4
Add parsley and milk and cook for ten more minutes.
5
Serve immediately.

notes

Great-Grandma Josephine Borgman made this soup every Fall. It was a welcome lunch after raking leaves and being in the fresh, cold air for a morning of work. A small amount of thyme can be added for extra flavor. Serve with crusty bread and salad.

Source: Patricia