Ärtsoppa (Swedish Yellow Pea Soup)
In short: Thick Swedish soup of dried yellow peas simmered with smoked pork, onion and marjoram, served hot with a spoonful of strong mustard. It takes about 2 h 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 2 h
- Resting
- 12 h
- Total
- 2 h 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 295 kcal
Thursday is pea soup day in Sweden, a habit so old that many homes and canteens still follow it. The soup is simple: dried yellow peas, a smoked pork hock, onion and a little marjoram, simmered until thick and savory. Each bowl gets a spoonful of strong mustard stirred in at the table, and thin pancakes with jam often follow as dessert.
Instructions
- Soak the peas in plenty of cold water for 12 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse them.
- Put the peas in a large pot with the 2 liters of fresh water and the onion. Bring to a boil and skim off the foam and loose skins for the first few minutes.
- Add the smoked pork, marjoram and thyme. Turn the heat to low and simmer, partly covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the peas are very soft and the pork is tender. Stir now and then and add hot water if the soup gets too thick.
- Lift out the pork. Cut the meat from the bone, discard the skin, fat and bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Mash a few ladlefuls of peas against the side of the pot for a thicker body. Return the meat, season with pepper and salt if needed, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, with mustard stirred in at the table.
Tips
- Short on time? Use dried split yellow peas, which need no soaking and cook in about 45 minutes. The soup will be smoother and less textured.
- Smoked pork is salty, so taste before adding any salt. If you cannot find a hock, use a piece of smoked bacon or a meaty ham bone.
Questions and answers
Why do Swedes eat pea soup on Thursdays?
Nobody is certain. A common explanation is that it was a hearty meal before the Friday fast in the Catholic era, and the habit stuck. Today it is still the Thursday menu in many canteens.
Can I freeze Swedish pea soup?
Yes. Cool it and freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. It thickens as it stands, so thin it with a little water when reheating.
What do you serve with pea soup?
Strong mustard on the side is the essential partner. Rye bread is common too, and thin pancakes with jam and cream often follow as dessert.
How long does it take to make Ärtsoppa (Swedish Yellow Pea Soup)?
About 2 h 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 2 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Ärtsoppa (Swedish Yellow Pea Soup)?
About 295 kcal per serving, with 21 g of protein, 42 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 295 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 17 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
