Few things are as comforting as a bowl of Swedish Yellow Pea Soup, a dish steeped in tradition yet irresistibly delicious in its simplicity. This warm, golden soup is a celebration of humble ingredients that come together to create a flavor far greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a cold evening or a way to connect with Swedish culinary heritage, this soup offers satisfying depth and a beautiful, sunshiny hue that promises coziness with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a short list of staple ingredients can produce such a deeply flavorful Swedish Yellow Pea Soup. Each item adds its own distinctive character, from the creamy peas and aromatic spices to a hint of smoke from the ham, making this soup the perfect marriage of richness and purity.
- Yellow split peas: The star of the show; these create the soup’s signature texture and cheery color.
- Butter or olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables for a smooth base.
- Yellow onion: Sweet and savory, onion builds the aromatic foundation of the soup.
- Garlic: Brings a gentle depth and warmth that infuses every spoonful.
- Carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Bay leaf: Provides a subtle herbal aroma that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Dried thyme: Offers an earthy, slightly minty note typical in classic Swedish Yellow Pea Soup.
- Dried marjoram: A traditional herb in Swedish cooking, lending a fragrant, woodsy balance.
- Ground allspice: Gives a surprising hint of warmth and spice that is absolutely essential.
- Water or low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid base, setting the stage for all the flavors to meld.
- Smoked ham hock or diced ham (optional): For a traditional touch, the ham infuses the soup with smoky, meaty undertones.
- Salt: Just enough to bring out all the nuanced flavors.
- Black pepper: For a touch of heat and finishing spice.
- Dijon mustard: Served on the side or mixed into the soup for classic Swedish zing.
How to Make Swedish Yellow Pea Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter or heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté these veggies for about five to six minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re softened and smelling irresistibly sweet. This aromatic base is what gives Swedish Yellow Pea Soup its deep, savory backbone.
Step 2: Season and Spice
Once your veggies are softened, stir in the dried thyme, marjoram, and ground allspice. At this stage, the kitchen will begin to fill with those signature Scandinavian aromas—it’s always the moment everyone asks, “What are you making?!”
Step 3: Add Peas and Liquids
Pour in your rinsed yellow split peas along with the bay leaf. Add water or your choice of broth for greater depth. If you’re going for traditional flavor, nestle the smoked ham hock or add the diced ham right into the pot. This is the part where the ingredients truly start to mingle.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so the soup simmers, uncovered. Give it a stir from time to time and let it bubble away for 60 to 75 minutes. The yellow peas should soften and practically melt into the broth, thickening everything into a satisfyingly creamy soup. If you used a ham hock, fish it out, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Fish out the bay leaf and give your Swedish Yellow Pea Soup a final taste. Adjust the salt and black pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve piping hot, with a hearty dollop of Dijon mustard on the side or stirred right in—it’s the must-have finishing touch!
How to Serve Swedish Yellow Pea Soup
Garnishes
Traditionally, Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is served with a generous spoonful of mustard on the side. For an extra pop, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of cracked black pepper. For the adventurous, a swirl of sour cream or a few crispy croutons take it up a notch in both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
The classic Swedish pairing is thin pancakes with fruit preserves or whipped cream—yes, soup and pancakes! Rugbrød (dense rye bread) or even a slice of hearty sourdough are fantastic, especially for dipping. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Swedish Yellow Pea Soup truly special, serve it up in rustic soup mugs or bowls and tuck a little Swedish flag into the garnish. If you’re throwing a Scandinavian-inspired dinner, offer bites of crispbread and small pickles on the side, or serve the soup in tiny portions as part of a larger smorgasbord. Kids love it in mini mugs with a swirl of mustard and crunchy breadsticks for dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld in the fridge. Let the soup cool before transferring it into airtight containers. In the refrigerator, it’ll keep beautifully for up to four days—just be aware it thickens as it sits!
Freezing
This soup is a freezer champion. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Label and freeze for up to three months. For best texture, freeze before adding extra garnishes or mustard.
Reheating
To reheat Swedish Yellow Pea Soup, simply pour it into a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s become very thick. Microwaving works too, but break up any clumps with a fork and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Swedish Yellow Pea Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the ham hock or diced ham and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken. You’ll still get all the rich, comforting flavors, with just a bit less smokiness—add a splash of smoked paprika if you’d like a little hint of that traditional flavor.
Why do Swedes traditionally eat pea soup on Thursdays?
It’s a charming tradition believed to date back centuries, when a hearty, filling soup would fuel families through the last stretch before Friday’s leaner meals or fasting. Today, it’s simply a cozy, delicious way to enjoy a classic recipe as a midweek treat!
How do I keep the peas from sticking to the bottom?
Give your soup an occasional gentle stir as it simmers, especially toward the end of cooking. Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pot, and if the soup seems too thick, add a touch of extra broth or water during cooking.
What’s the best mustard to serve with Swedish Yellow Pea Soup?
Dijon mustard is a favorite for its zippy, creamy tang, but you can also try Swedish senap or a stone-ground variety for a punchier bite. Mustard is more than a condiment here—it elevates every bite of soup!
Can I use green split peas instead of yellow?
You can, and the taste and texture will be very similar, though you’ll lose the signature sunny color of Swedish Yellow Pea Soup. If you’re after authenticity and that cheerful look, stick with yellow.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, nourishing, and bursting with traditional flavor, don’t hesitate to try Swedish Yellow Pea Soup. This classic is beloved for a reason, and once you’ve tried it, it might just become a regular guest at your table. Grab your ingredients and get simmering—you’ll taste the comfort in every single spoonful.
Print
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and traditional Swedish Yellow Pea Soup that is both comforting and flavorful. Made with yellow split peas, vegetables, and optional ham, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 6 cups water or low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock or 8 ounces diced ham (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Dijon mustard for serving
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the thyme, marjoram, and allspice.
- Cook Soup: Add the rinsed yellow split peas, bay leaf, broth or water, and ham hock or diced ham if using. Simmer for 60–75 minutes until peas are soft.
- Finish Soup: Remove bay leaf and ham hock, shred meat from bone and return to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with Dijon mustard.
Notes
- Traditionally served in Sweden on Thursdays with mustard and pancakes for dessert.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth.
- The soup will thicken as it cools—add more broth or water when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
