If you’ve ever wanted a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. This traditional Scandinavian soup is not only incredibly simple to make but also packed with flavors that develop slowly as the yellow peas soften alongside tender ham and aromatic vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to slow down and savor every spoonful, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a bowl of cozy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work together to create deep flavor and a satisfying texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy yellow peas to the smoky ham and fragrant herbs, resulting in a soup that’s both rustic and refined.
- 2 cups dried yellow peas: These provide the creamy base and earthy sweetness unique to this soup.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when simmered.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Contribute a gentle natural sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a hint of fresh, aromatic flavor that balances the earthiness.
- 1 ham bone or 2 cups cooked ham, diced: Infuses the soup with rich, smoky flavor and tender meat bits.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal fragrance that elevates the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a warm, woodsy note to complement the ham and peas.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- 8 cups water or chicken broth: The liquid base that allows everything to meld together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon mustard (for serving): A little punch of tang to brighten each serving.
- Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing and sorting the dried yellow peas carefully to remove any small stones or debris. This step ensures a clean, smooth soup. Then chop the onion, carrots, and celery—all those aromatics will build the flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
Place the peas, chopped vegetables, ham bone or diced ham, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and your choice of water or chicken broth into a large pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the peas soften and begin to break apart, creating that luscious velvety texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Ham
If you’re using a ham bone, carefully remove it once the peas are tender. Pick off any remaining meat, shredding it finely, then return it to the pot. Using diced ham? Simply stir it in now so it can warm through and soak up some of that lovely broth flavor.
Step 4: Season and Final Touches
Season your soup with salt to your preference, and don’t forget to fish out that bay leaf before serving. This final step brings the flavors into harmony, balancing the creamy earthiness and savory ham notes.
How to Serve Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
One of my favorite finishing touches is a dollop of mustard right on top. It adds a surprising burst of tang and complexity that cuts through the richness. For a splash of freshness and a beautiful color contrast, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley as well.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crisp, thin pancakes—or “pannkakor” if you want to be authentic! Their delicate texture makes a perfect vessel for this thick, hearty soup. You can also serve it alongside rustic rye bread or crusty rolls to soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, ladle the soup into pretty bowls and add a swirl of mustard cream (mustard mixed with a little sour cream or yogurt) on top. Alternatively, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a charming, edible presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll appreciate the convenience of having a ready-made warming meal waiting for you.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just leave out fresh garnishes like parsley until after reheating to keep them vibrant.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency if it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of dried yellow peas?
Fresh peas have a very different texture and water content, so they won’t create the creamy base characteristic of this soup. Dried yellow peas are essential for that authentic Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe experience.
Is it necessary to include ham bone, or can I make it vegetarian?
The ham bone adds a deep smoky flavor that is traditional and beloved, but you can skip it and substitute with vegetable broth and smoked paprika for a vegetarian twist. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have mustard to serve with the soup?
Mustard adds a nice tangy contrast, but you can also try a splash of vinegar or a drizzle of horseradish sauce for a similar effect. It’s all about adding a little zip to cut through the richness.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be thick yet spoonable, with the peas mostly broken down to create a creamy texture, but still some chunks for heartiness. If it’s too thick, just thin it with broth or water to your liking.
Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until peas are tender and flavors meld. It’s a hands-off approach that makes this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe even easier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making and sharing this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe. It’s humble yet rich, simple yet full of character. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold evening or looking for a meal that reminds you of home, this soup delivers on every level. I truly hope you give it a try and find as much comfort and joy in it as I do!
Print
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This traditional Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is a hearty and comforting dish made with dried yellow peas, vegetables, and savory ham. Simmered slowly to bring out rich flavors and thick, creamy texture, it is perfect for cold days and served with a touch of mustard and fresh parsley for added zest.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups dried yellow peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 ham bone or 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Thin pancakes (optional, for serving alongside)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peas: Rinse and sort the yellow peas thoroughly to remove any debris or impurities, ensuring a clean base for the soup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the rinsed peas, water or chicken broth, chopped onion, diced carrots, chopped celery, ham bone or diced ham, bay leaf, dried thyme, and ground black pepper.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and begin to break apart, creating a creamy texture.
- Remove Ham Bone and Add Meat: If using a ham bone, remove it from the soup once the peas are tender. Pull off any remaining meat from the bone, shred it finely, and return the meat back to the soup for added flavor and texture. If using diced ham, stir it in after cooking.
- Season and Finalize: Season the soup with salt to your preference. Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the soup hot into bowls. Add a dollop of mustard on top of each serving and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Optionally, serve with thin Swedish pancakes on the side for a complete traditional meal.
Notes
- Soaking the yellow peas overnight can reduce cooking time but is not essential.
- The ham bone adds a rich smoky flavor, but diced cooked ham works well as a substitute.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed during cooking.
- Mustard adds a tangy contrast and is the traditional accompaniment.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before freezing in portions.
