Swedish Yellow Pea Soup

There’s something so comforting about a hearty bowl of soup, especially when it’s as rich in flavor and tradition as Swedish Yellow Pea Soup. This dish has been a beloved staple in Swedish homes for centuries, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why. It’s thick, savory, and brimming with earthy flavors from yellow peas and ham, all simmered together in a warm, satisfying broth. Imagine the earthy sweetness of the peas paired with the smoky ham, all while a touch of mustard adds a bit of tang to brighten it up.

Trust me, this is the type of soup that’ll fill you up with both comfort and joy, and you’ll probably find yourself coming back for seconds (or even thirds)! Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re in need of something nutritious and hearty, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love Swedish Yellow Pea Soup

Rich and Hearty: This soup is made with simple ingredients, but the combination creates a thick, hearty bowl that is satisfying on its own or paired with crusty bread.

Nutritious: Yellow peas are packed with protein and fiber, making this soup a wholesome choice for any meal. Plus, the smoky ham adds extra depth and flavor.

Easy to Make: Despite its bold flavors, this soup is easy to prepare with just a little time and patience. Once the peas are simmering, the soup practically cooks itself.

Traditional Comfort Food: This Swedish classic is a wonderful dish to bring people together, offering both nostalgia and flavor that’s sure to remind you of home-cooked meals.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy it for days to come!

Ingredients in Swedish Yellow Pea Soup

Yellow Split Peas

The heart and soul of this soup. Yellow split peas are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch, adding both protein and fiber to the dish.

Ham

A smoked ham hock or diced ham adds that perfect smoky, savory element to the soup. It’s what makes the broth rich and flavorful, tying everything together.

Onion

Onions give the soup a savory base and add depth to the flavor profile as they cook down in the broth.

Carrots

Sweet, tender carrots complement the earthy peas and provide a bit of texture to the soup.

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves add a subtle herbal flavor that makes the broth even more aromatic and rich.

Mustard

A bit of Swedish mustard stirred into the soup gives it that signature tangy kick, balancing out the richness of the peas and ham.

Salt and Pepper

To taste, these simple seasonings bring everything together and let the other flavors shine.

Water or Broth

Water or vegetable broth is used to cook the peas and bring the soup to life, infusing all the ingredients with their respective flavors.

Instructions

Prep the Peas

Rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly under cold water. No need to soak them overnight—just a good rinse to remove any dirt and debris.

Cook the Ham

In a large pot, add the ham hock (or diced ham if you’re using that) and enough water to cover it. Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat, letting it simmer for about 30 minutes. This step allows the ham to infuse the broth with its smoky flavor.

Add the Vegetables

Add the chopped onions and carrots to the pot. Stir in the rinsed yellow peas, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add enough water (or vegetable broth) to cover all the ingredients. Bring the soup to a boil again, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.

Stir in Mustard

Once the peas are soft and the soup is thickened, stir in the mustard. This is where the magic happens—the mustard adds that tangy, sharp kick that cuts through the richness of the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve

Remove the ham hock if used and discard the bones. If using diced ham, you can leave it in the soup. Serve hot with a dollop of mustard on the side (as is traditional in Sweden) and some freshly baked bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~250-300 calories (depending on ingredients and portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Swedish Yellow Pea Soup

With Crusty Bread: A classic accompaniment to this hearty soup is a slice of crusty, buttered bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the thick broth and soaking up all that flavor.

Swedish Rye Bread: For an authentic touch, serve the soup with Swedish rye bread, a dense and slightly tangy bread that pairs beautifully with the earthy peas.

With a Dollop of Mustard: Many Swedes serve yellow pea soup with a dollop of mustard on the side. The mustard gives the soup a nice tangy boost and enhances the flavor profile.

As a Standalone Meal: This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own as a full meal. It’s comforting and filling, with plenty of protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.

Additional Tips

Use a Ham Bone: If you have a leftover ham bone from a previous meal, this is a perfect opportunity to use it. The bone adds even more flavor to the soup as it simmers.

Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor in place of the ham.

Leftovers: Swedish Yellow Pea Soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Customize Your Soup: While mustard is a traditional addition, you can also experiment with other seasonings like thyme, garlic, or even a splash of vinegar to balance out the flavors.

FAQ Section

Q1: Do I need to soak the peas overnight?
A1: No, yellow split peas don’t require overnight soaking. Just rinse them well before adding them to the pot.

Q2: Can I use dried peas instead of split peas?
A2: Dried peas may work, but they tend to require longer cooking times and might have a slightly different texture. Yellow split peas are ideal for this soup.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Q4: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A4: Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make it ahead and refrigerate for an even more flavorful meal.

Q5: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A5: Absolutely! Add all ingredients (except mustard) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the peas are tender. Stir in mustard before serving.

Q6: Can I freeze this soup?
A6: Yes! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q7: What kind of ham should I use?
A7: A smoked ham hock is traditional, but you can also use diced cooked ham if preferred. If you use ham hock, remove the bone before serving.

Q8: Can I make this soup without ham?
A8: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth. You may want to add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Q9: How can I adjust the texture of the soup?
A9: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or a regular blender, then stir it back into the rest of the soup.

Q10: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A10: Yes! Try adding celery, leeks, or parsnips for extra depth and flavor.

Conclusion

This Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day, offering a blend of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors in every spoonful. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings comfort and warmth with every bite. Whether you’re looking to try something new or reconnect with an old tradition, this soup is sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a bowl of Swedish goodness!

Print