Description
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is a hearty and traditional Scandinavian soup featuring tender yellow split peas simmered with aromatic vegetables and smoked ham. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and showcases the simple yet robust flavors of Sweden, often served with sharp mustard and crispbread.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 8 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 8 ounces diced ham (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
To Serve
- Mustard (optional but traditional)
- Crispbread or rye bread
Instructions
- Prepare the peas: Drain the soaked yellow split peas and place them in a large soup pot. This initial step ensures the peas are clean and ready for cooking.
- Add ingredients and bring to boil: Add 8 cups of water or vegetable broth, the chopped onion, diced carrots, bay leaf, dried thyme, ground allspice, and ham hock or diced ham if using. Heat over medium-high until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently, partially covered, for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom and skim off any foam that forms on the surface. Cook until the peas are soft and beginning to break down.
- Finish and season: Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaf. For a creamier texture, mash some of the peas against the side of the pot with a spoon or whisk; otherwise, leave the soup chunky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve traditionally with a dollop of sharp Swedish mustard on the side alongside crispbread or rye bread.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and substitute vegetable broth for a fully plant-based dish.
- You can blend a portion of the soup if you prefer a smoother, creamier texture.
- This soup is traditionally served on Thursdays in Sweden, making it a cultural favorite.
