Erwtensoep

ERWTENSOEP Split peas, sometimes with ham This soup served in Amsterdam Smoked pork belly, sausage too Served nice and hot will just do Carrot, onion, leek and celeriac The thought of it takes me back This combination did it for me When I worked there in ‘83 Breakfast was always uitsmijter Smiled at the girl just to spite her Eggs and ham on fresh bread Ordered early to stay ahead Coffee drunk all through the day Strong to handle come what may A cold beer or two over lunch With those little crisps to crunch With meetings in the afternoon I did my thing none too soon Dinner was typically Indonesian Sometimes influenced by Frisian Rijsttafel, a surprise in every bowl But delicious food always the goal Elsewhere, desserts are plentiful Big portions seem quite bountiful But if I had just one item to order Every time I crossed that border It would be erwtensoep, every time Everyday Dutch cuisine in its prime Whatever kind of café I was ever in I’d wash it down with ice cold gin