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
Scale
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
