Erwtensoep (Dutch Split Pea Soup)

Description
A strong soup with peas and some meat like sausages, bacon or ham.

Ingredients

 * 2 liters of water
 * 500 grams of dried split green peas, rinsed
 * 1 smoked ham hock
 * 1/2 cup sliced leeks
 * 1/2 cup sliced onions
 * 1/2 cup sliced celery
 * 1/2 cup diced carrot
 * parsley
 * salt and pepper to taste
 * 1/2 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa), sliced thin

Directions
Bring the water to a boil in a large heavy pot, then add peas and ham hock. When the water reboils, reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook, partially covered, for 2 hours. Stir it from time to time.

Stir in the rest of the ingredients (except the kielbasa) and simmer for 30 more minutes, stirring from time to time. Remove the ham hock, cut away the meat, and return it to the pot with the kielbasa. Simmer for a couple of hours.

Although the soup is now done and can be eaten, best is to leave it overnight and gently reheat the next day.

Eat with dark, heavy bread.