The last fingers of summer

I shared this exactly two years ago today!

I try to pretend as long as possible that the last fingers of summer are stretching into the last quarter of the year, but it’s no good, I submit, it is autumn. How about this to keep you warm? It’s a favourite recipe from the Dutch province of Groningen – a favourite there and a favourite for me!

Pea Soup

• 10 oz dried peas and 10 oz split peas washed and soaked overnight
• 3 onions, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 small leeks, finely sliced
• 1 celeriac, peeled and cubed ( the recipe doesn’t give a size, but I would go small!)
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 8 oz ham hock
• 10 oz smoked bacon – in a lump if possible, not slices
• smoked sausage
• fresh herbs – 1 tbsp thyme and 2 bay leaves,
• ½ bunch parsley, ½ celery leaves – which might be difficult to get over here, so maybe some finely chopped celery would do instead
• ½ a chilli
• salt and pepper

peas, beans and veg:

1. add the carrot, onions, ham, bacon, chilli, herbs, salt and pepper to the peas and beans in their soaking water, bring to the boil then simmer for 2 hours
2. add the potatoes, leeks and celeriac

meat:

1. warm the sausage on a low heat for 15 mins, remove from water and slice
2. take the ham hock and bacon out of the stew – take the meat from the bone and cut in cubes (if your family is squeamish, cut the fat off the bacon and ham)

soup:

1. remove the chilli and bay leaves and return the cubed and sliced meat to the soup, check for seasoning
2. add the chopped parsley and celery leaves/celery

This is the recipe – but it is enough for the largest of families or a Guy Fawkes Night party! There is nearly 3 lbs of ingredients plus all the liquid and vegetables – I think I would halve it, or for just our little family quarter it!

Bon appétit!