Erwtensoep - Dutch Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups dried split green peas or 1 1/2 lbs dried split green peas
3 liters water
1 lb spareribs
1/2 lb bacon, one thick slice, cubed
2 leeks, washed and chopped, also use the green part
1 medium celeriac, diced (celery root or bulb) or 3 cups of chopped celery (but the flavor will be weaker)
1 smoked dutch sausage or 3 -4 thick frankfurters, left whole or cut up in slices
salt and pepper
1 -2 bouillon cube (optional)
chopped celery leaves
fresh parsley leaves

Preparation

Wash the peas and soak them overnight in the amount of water given. Next day bring them to the boil together with the spareribs and the bacon; simmer on very low heat for approx 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add the leeks and the celeriac; cook for another hour or until the soup becomes thick - with the lid off. Lift out the spareribs, remove the meat from the bones, and return the meat to the pan.
Add the sausage, let it warm through and season the soup to taste and maybe add bouillion cube(s) , add the chopped celery leaves and parsley just before serving.