If you’ve ever wondered how to cozy up your dinner with a touch of Scandinavian comfort, this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. It’s a rustic, hearty, and incredibly flavorful soup that brings together simple ingredients like yellow split peas, carrots, and fragrant spices, all simmered slowly to create a creamy and satisfying bowl. Whether you include the smoky ham for tradition or keep it vegetarian, this soup promises warmth and nourishment in every spoonful, making it a timeless favorite in Swedish cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe fool you—each ingredient plays an essential role in layering the flavors and textures that make this soup truly outstanding. From the earthy yellow peas to the subtle warmth of allspice, every component enhances the overall experience.
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas: They’re the star here, providing a naturally creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor after slow cooking.
- 8 cups water: This is the soup’s base, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it simmers.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth, becoming tender and fragrant as it cooks down.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped: Introduces a touch of natural sweetness and brightness to balance the earthiness of the peas.
- 1 bay leaf: A subtle herbal note that elevates the soup without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an aromatic, woodsy flavor that complements the peas beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Adds a warm complexity with hints of cinnamon and clove.
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper: Provides gentle heat and a mild peppery kick, milder than black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Highlights all the flavors and balances the sweetness and spice.
- 1 ham bone or 8 ounces diced smoked ham (optional): If you want the traditional smoky richness, this addition is key—but you can omit it for a lovely vegetarian version.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for serving): A tangy finishing touch that pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
How to Make Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing and sorting your yellow split peas to remove any debris or stones—this ensures a smooth and clean soup. Chop your onion and carrot into small, even pieces so they cook down evenly during simmering.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
In a large pot, gather your rinsed peas, water, chopped onion, carrot, bay leaf, thyme, allspice, white pepper, salt, and ham bone or diced ham if you’re using it. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer uncovered. This slow cooking will break down the peas into a velvety, thick consistency. It usually takes about 1½ to 2 hours, so be patient and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Finish the Soup
Once the peas are very soft and the soup has thickened, remove the ham bone if used. Shred any meat left on the bone and return it to the pot for extra flavor. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before serving! Taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed—this final seasoning step really brings everything to life.
How to Serve Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dollop of Dijon mustard on the side adds a delightful tang that cuts through the creaminess and enhances the smoky notes if you included ham. Fresh chopped parsley or a crack of fresh black pepper can also brighten up the bowl beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic rye bread or crisp, buttered croutons to add a contrasting crunch. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a light Swedish cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to bring a refreshing acidity that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in bread bowls or garnished with smoked bacon bits for an extra indulgence. You can drizzle a little good-quality olive oil on top or add a sprinkle of grated cheese for a fusion twist. Presentation is all about inviting warmth and comfort, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve that creamy texture.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup, as it thickens considerably once chilled. Warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and to restore its silky smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without the ham?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, just skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water for a bit more depth. The soup is still wonderfully filling and flavorful without the meat.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Simply simmer it a bit longer uncovered to reduce excess liquid. The peas naturally break down and thicken the soup, so extra cook time usually does the trick.
Can I use canned split peas instead of dried?
While you can, dried split peas are preferable because they provide better texture and flavor after slow cooking. Canned peas might make the soup mushy or too soft.
What should I serve with Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe for a full meal?
Rustic breads, pickled vegetables, or a simple salad all make fantastic accompaniments, balancing the richness of the soup with fresh or acidic elements.
How do I prevent the soup from sticking to the pot?
Stir the soup occasionally, especially towards the end of cooking, and use a heavy-bottomed pot if possible. This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching on the bottom.
Final Thoughts
Making this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket after a chilly day—it’s simple, soulful, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a comforting bowl for yourself, this soup has a way of making every spoonful feel special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Swedish Yellow Pea Soup made with dried yellow split peas, aromatic herbs, and optional smoked ham for a traditional flavor. This rustic soup is thick, filling, and perfect for chilly days. The recipe can easily be adapted for vegetarians by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth for enhanced taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas (rinsed and sorted)
- 8 cups water
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 large carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 ham bone or 8 ounces diced smoked ham (optional for traditional version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the yellow split peas, water, chopped onion, chopped carrot, bay leaf, dried thyme, allspice, white pepper, and salt. Include the ham bone or diced smoked ham if using for flavor.
- Bring to Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until peas are very soft and the soup thickens.
- Prepare Ham Meat: If you used a ham bone, remove it from the pot carefully. Shred any remaining meat from the bone and return the shredded ham to the soup for added texture and flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and white pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid bitterness.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with a dollop of Dijon mustard on the side, if desired, for a spicy tang.
Notes
- The soup thickens considerably upon standing; add water when reheating to adjust thickness to your liking.
- For a vegetarian variation, omit the ham and substitute the water with vegetable broth to enhance flavor.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent peas from sticking to the pot bottom.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
