Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to wrap yourself in a big, cozy Swedish hug, this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is the next best thing. Each spoonful is rich with tradition and heartiness, blending creamy split peas, tender vegetables, and smoky ham into a golden bowl of comfort that’s been beloved in Sweden for centuries. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something satisfying and wholesome, this soup brings a taste of Scandinavia right into your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, Swedish Yellow Pea Soup might just become your own family favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Swedish Yellow Pea Soup lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays an essential role in building that signature flavor and velvety texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make the most of each component:
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed: These are the soul of the soup, offering a creamy body and sweet, earthy flavor.
- 8 cups water: Provides the base, allowing all the flavors to meld as the soup simmers.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds savory depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the peas.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Bring color, gentle sweetness, and extra heartiness to every bite.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offer a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the soup.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts a mild herbal fragrance that elevates the overall aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a woodsy, slightly minty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peas.
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram: Adds a subtle floral, almost citrusy layer that makes this soup uniquely Swedish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: This warm spice gives a gentle hint of complexity you won’t want to skip.
- 1 smoked ham hock or 8 oz diced ham: Provides smoky, meaty notes that make every spoonful satisfying; choose diced ham for convenience or a ham hock for traditional flavor and texture.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing every ingredient.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon grainy mustard for serving: A traditional accompaniment that adds a tangy kick and a bit of fun on the side.
How to Make Swedish Yellow Pea Soup
Step 1: Start with the Peas
Begin by placing the rinsed yellow split peas and the water into a large pot. This step is key for building the soup’s creamy base. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye out for any foam that rises to the top—skim this off for a clearer, smoother soup.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Once you’ve skimmed the foam, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, marjoram, allspice, and your choice of smoked ham hock or diced ham. This is where the magic happens: all those aromatics and spices start mingling, infusing the soup with deep, layered flavor. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Slow Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot and let your Swedish Yellow Pea Soup simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to a comforting, creamy consistency. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel extra inviting!
Step 4: Finish and Season
If you used a ham hock, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the soup—this ensures every bowl gets a little bit of that delicious smoky ham. Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir, and you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Swedish Yellow Pea Soup
Garnishes
Traditionally, Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is served with a dollop of grainy mustard on the side. The tangy pop of mustard lifts the rich flavors and adds a touch of playfulness. You can also sprinkle a little extra black pepper or fresh thyme for a pretty, aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
The classic Swedish way is to pair this soup with crispbread (knäckebröd) or hearty rye bread. The crunchy texture is a perfect contrast to the creamy soup, and a slice of cheese or a few pickled vegetables on the side makes the meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve your Swedish Yellow Pea Soup in small mugs or teacups as an appetizer at a dinner party. Garnish with a swirl of mustard or a few microgreens for a modern touch. Or, pour it into a thermos and take it on a winter picnic—it’s a delicious way to warm up outdoors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is that it only gets better with time. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen, and the soup will thicken up, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Just be sure to leave a bit of space at the top of your container, as the soup will expand as it freezes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened a bit too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re in a hurry—just cover the bowl to avoid splatters.
FAQs
Can I make Swedish Yellow Pea Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the ham and swap the water for vegetable broth. The soup will still be wonderfully rich and flavorful, especially if you bump up the spices and herbs a bit.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is needed for yellow split peas, which is a great time-saver. They become tender after simmering for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, no pre-soak required.
What if I don’t have a ham hock?
Diced ham works perfectly, or you can even use smoked turkey for a slightly different flavor. For a fully vegetarian soup, simply leave out the meat altogether.
Can I use green split peas instead?
While you can substitute green split peas, the flavor and color will be different. Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is traditionally made with yellow split peas for their mild, sweet flavor and golden color.
How can I make the soup smoother?
If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup right in the pot. Just blend until you reach your desired consistency, leaving some chunks for added heartiness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring a taste of Sweden to your table with this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup! It’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again—perfect for sharing with family or friends, or for savoring a peaceful bowl on your own. Give it a try and let the cozy, flavorful magic begin!
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Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is a traditional Scandinavian dish made with tender yellow split peas simmered with aromatic vegetables and smoked ham for a rich, hearty flavor. This comforting, gluten-free soup is perfect for chilly days and offers a delightful blend of herbs and spices with a satisfying protein punch.
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
Serving Suggestion
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peas: In a large pot, combine the rinsed yellow split peas and 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to soften the peas and develop flavor. Skim off and discard any foam that forms on the surface to keep the soup clear.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried marjoram, ground allspice, and the smoked ham hock or diced ham to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the soup simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Shred Ham and Finish: Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bone or cartilage. Return the shredded ham to the soup and stir well.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, traditionally accompanied by a spoonful of grainy mustard on the side and crispbread for dipping if desired.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
- The soup can be blended partially for a creamier texture if preferred.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
