If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that carries the warmth and tradition of Scandinavian kitchens, then you must try this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe. This beautiful soup blends the earthy sweetness of yellow split peas with aromatic herbs and the smoky depth of ham, making every spoonful a hug in a bowl. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your appetite but also connects you to a beloved culinary heritage, perfect for those chilly days when you need something both nourishing and soul-soothing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe is a joy because the ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that classic golden hue everyone loves.
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas: These are the heart of the soup, providing that creamy, velvety texture and sweet, nutty flavor.
- 8 cups water: The base liquid that helps the peas cook down and meld flavors together beautifully.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory foundation that enhances every bite.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Offer a subtle sweetness and a touch of color to brighten the soup.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Give the soup a gentle aromatic crunch and balance.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a delicate herbal note that complements the peas perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy, slightly minty undertones that warm the palate.
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram: Offers a mild floral savoriness that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: A hint of warmth and spice that deepens the soup’s character.
- 1 smoked ham hock or 8 oz diced ham: Brings a smoky richness and protein, making the soup truly satisfying.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything into balance.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon grainy mustard for serving: Adds a zesty tang when paired with the smooth soup.
How to Make Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peas
Start by rinsing the yellow split peas thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large pot and pour in the water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it cook uncovered for 5 minutes. Don’t forget to skim off any foam that rises to the surface – this keeps the soup clear and light.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, it’s time to add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Toss in the bay leaf, thyme, marjoram, and allspice to infuse a beautiful aromatic base. These herbs and vegetables combine to create that unmistakably comforting scent and flavor that define this recipe.
Step 3: Incorporate the Ham
Drop in your smoked ham hock or diced ham, which will bring a subtle smokiness and richness that elevates the soup from simple to spectacular. Cover the pot and gently simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the peas break down into that luscious creamy texture we adore.
Step 4: Finish and Season
When the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking, remove the ham hock if you used one. Shred the meat and return it to the pot. This step ensures every bite gets that savory hit. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors just right before serving.
How to Serve Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup shines with some thoughtful garnishes. A dollop of grainy mustard on the side is traditional and adds a lovely sharp contrast. Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can also brighten the bowl with a fresh herbal note.
Side Dishes
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is fantastic with crispbread for crunch, or hearty rye bread for dipping. A simple green salad on the side offers a fresh counterpoint to the soup’s deep, meaty flavors, making your meal balanced and delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, serve the soup in heavy ceramic bowls with a piece of rustic bread resting on the edge. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little good-quality olive oil or melted butter on top right before serving. You could even hollow out a small round loaf of bread to serve the soup inside, creating a warm and inviting presentation guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about the Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe is how the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply warm it slowly on the stove when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers once cooled and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low heat to keep its creamy texture intact. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to recapture that fresh, vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water to maintain depth of flavor. You might also want to add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that signature smokiness.
Why use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yellow split peas have a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to green peas, making them ideal for this traditional Swedish recipe. They also give the soup its characteristic golden color.
Do I need to soak the peas before cooking?
There’s no need to soak yellow split peas for this recipe. Rinsing them well is enough before cooking, which helps keep the process simple and quick.
What can I use instead of a ham hock?
If a ham hock isn’t available, diced smoked ham or even smoked sausage can work wonderfully, imparting that smoky richness the recipe depends on.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients, like mustard, are certified gluten-free. It’s a comforting option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm welcome from an old friend. It’s generously flavorful, incredibly nourishing, and surprisingly easy to make, standing out as a true classic that deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation. So treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl of this comforting delight – you will be so glad you did!
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Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is a classic Scandinavian dish featuring tender yellow split peas simmered with aromatic vegetables and smoked ham for a rich, hearty flavor. Perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, this satisfying soup is traditionally served with grainy mustard and crispbread, making it an ideal meal for cold days or anytime comfort food is desired.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed
- 8 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 smoked ham hock or 8 oz diced ham
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard (optional)
- Crispbread (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peas: In a large pot, combine the rinsed yellow split peas with 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. During this time, skim off any foam that forms on the surface to ensure a clear and clean-tasting soup.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, dried thyme, marjoram, and ground allspice to the pot. Also, add the smoked ham hock or diced ham to infuse the soup with smoky richness. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and simmer gently over low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to monitor the peas as they soften. Cook until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to a comforting consistency.
- Finish the Soup: Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred any meat off the bone. Return the shredded meat to the soup and discard the bone. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring well.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve traditionally with a dollop of grainy mustard on the side and crispbread for dipping, if desired. Enjoy warm for maximum comfort and flavor.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and meld.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Ensure to rinse the peas thoroughly to remove dust and impurities before cooking.
- Skimming foam during the initial boil helps create a clearer soup.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
