Anyone who thinks the competition is a joke will be disappointed, because making pea soup has officially been part of the Dutch intangible heritage since 2019. No wonder that world champion Michel Rekers from Koedijk is also making an appearance today with his world-famous chowder.
When we ask him how to make the best chowder, he says that this is undoubtedly because of his good stock. Last year’s winner, Maria Quartel, again swears by a good piece of smoked meat. Newcomers Nicolas van der Oord and Daan Groot from the Egmonden hope to win with special spring water from Greece. It is the 12th time that the National Snert Cooking Championships are held in the barn of farmer Ted and Nicoline Vaalburg.
Celeriac
Most chefs participate for the honor and fun. The competition is organized by farmer Ted and Nicoline, who make their celeriac shed available for the competition and a farmers market. In addition to the chowder, the chefs must make a dish with celeriac to promote the vegetable. And that has been leading to original recipes for a few years now. “We went a bit too far,” says Nicoline. “We have celeriac ice cream, fries and burgers. This year, sushi and carpaccio made from the vegetable have already been spotted.”
Ultimately, Nicolas and Daan win the coveted chowder trophy with their Greek spring water. World champion Michel Rekers wins the best side dish, which the jury calls ‘knollo tonnato’.