Erwtensoep (Dutch Split Pea Soup with Sausage)

Put split peas, ham hock, bacon and bay leaf in a large pot with 2 litres of water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes. Skim any scum that appears on the surface and stir occasionally.

Add the vegetables and ground cloves and cook at a simmer for another hour. At this point, remove the ham hock, slice the meat from the bone and return to the soup, then cool and refrigerate overnight.

Before serving, use a stick blender to whiz about half of the soup (or as much as you like) to create a slightly smooth yet rich thick texture. Add 200 grams sliced rookwurst and reheat for 20 minutes, so both soup and sausage are hot. At this point you may thin the soup a little to your desired consistency with a little water or, for a decadent option, cream.

Cover remaining rookwurst in water and simmer for 20 minutes while the soup is heating. Serve soup garnished with celery leaves and remaining rookwurst, drained and sliced. Lovely with crusty bread for scooping and dipping. 

Pantry note: Rookwurst is available at most supermarkets. I used Verkerks.