Since Uncle Bob is Dutch, hence "pea soup" is translated. He makes the greatest soups and this is his favorite.
Erwtensoep (Dutch)
Serves 4
simmer 2 hours
A. Put 2 Tbs. (30 ml) olive oil in a Dutch oven.
B. Add the following diced vegetables:
half a large onion
2 stalks of celery
2 Yukon gold (organic) potatoes
2 carrots
C. Sauté until onions are translucent.
D. Add 32 oz (900 ml) of organic chicken broth. Bring to a mild boil and add 1 package of dry split peas (1 lb/450 g) and a good size ham hock.
E. Add water to cover the ham hock. Bring to a boil, stir, and lower the heat to a simmer for two hours. Stir occasionally. Peas will dissolve to thick paste.
F. Make sure the peas are fully cooked, then remove the ham hock.
(optional: remove the ham and cut into small pieces; add to the soup)
G. Salt and pepper to taste.
