Ärtsoppa (Swedish Yellow Pea Soup)

Are you ready to savor the authentic taste of Sweden with a comforting bowl of Ärtsoppa? This traditional yellow pea soup, often enjoyed on Thursdays and during Walpurgis Night, offers a perfect balance of warmth and rich flavors. With tender pork and a hint of thyme, it's a hearty dish that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

🌾 500g Yellow Split Peas
🥓 1 smoked Pork Hock approximately 700g-1kg
🧅 1 medium-sized Yellow Onion finely chopped
💧 Approximately 2 liters of Water
🌿 4-5 sprigs Fresh Thyme
🌶️ 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
🥄 1 tablespoon Whole Grain Mustard for serving

Instructions

1- Soak the Peas:

• Place the yellow split peas in a bowl and cover them with water.
• Allow them to soak for several hours or overnight until plump.

2- Prepare the Soup Base:

• Place the smoked pork hock in a Dutch oven on your cooktop.
• Add the finely chopped onion around the pork hock in the pot.
• Drain the soaked yellow peas and add them to the pot along with the pork and onions.
• Pour enough water approximately 2 liters into the pot to fully submerge the ingredients.

3- Cook the Soup:

• Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Add the ground black pepper and fresh thyme sprigs to the soup.
• Allow the soup to simmer for a couple of hours or until the peas are very tender and the pork meat falls off the bone.

4- Prepare the Pork:

• Carefully remove the cooked pork hock from the pot.
• Dice the meat into small, bite-sized cubes.

5- Thicken the Soup:

• Continue simmering the pea soup if needed to reach your desired consistency.

6- Serve:

• Ladle a generous serving of pea soup into a bowl.
• Garnish with diced pork and a spoonful of whole grain mustard.
• Add a small sprig of fresh thyme for garnish if desired.

Prep Time: Several hours or overnight soaking for peas
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: Approximately 12-15 hours including overnight soaking
Servings: 6-8 servings
Equipment: Dutch oven enameled cast iron, induction cooktop, mixing bowl, serving bowl, spoon

Cooking Tips

• Ensure the peas are well-soaked to reduce cooking time and achieve an even tenderness.
• The longer simmering process ensures the flavors meld together for a creamy soup.

#soup #comfortfood #swedishcuisine #pork #peassoup #traditionaldish

#swedishspoon

Ärtsoppa (Swedish Yellow Pea Soup)