Hernesupp (Estonian Split Pea Soup with Smoked Pork)
In short: A thick yellow split pea soup simmered with smoked pork, potato and carrot, finished with dill and served with dark rye bread. It takes about 1 h 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 325 kcal
Hernesupp is the soup Estonians reach for on cold days: yellow split peas cooked down with smoked pork until the broth turns thick and savory. Potatoes, carrots and onions add sweetness, and marjoram gives it a gentle herbal note. It is a canteen and army favorite as well as a home dish, and it is always eaten with buttered dark rye bread. The smoked meat does most of the seasoning, so taste before you add salt.
Instructions
- Put the split peas, smoked pork, water, bay leaves and peppercorns in a large pot. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then simmer partly covered for 45 minutes.
- Add the onion, carrots, potatoes and marjoram. Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes more, until the peas have broken down and the vegetables are tender.
- Lift out the pork, pull the meat from the bones and shred it. Return the meat to the pot and discard the bones, fat and bay leaves.
- Taste and add salt, since smoked meat varies in saltiness. Mash a few peas against the side of the pot if you want a thicker soup.
- Serve hot with chopped dill and buttered rye bread.
Tips
- Whole dried green peas need an overnight soak and about 30 extra minutes of cooking. Split peas break down faster and give a smoother soup.
- For a vegetarian soup, leave out the pork, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and use a little extra marjoram.
Questions and answers
Do I need to soak split peas for hernesupp?
No. Yellow split peas cook soft in about 45 minutes without soaking. Whole dried peas should be soaked overnight.
Can I freeze Estonian pea soup?
Yes, for up to 3 months. It thickens in the fridge, so thin it with a little hot water when you reheat it.
What do you serve with hernesupp?
Dark rye bread with butter is the standard partner. Pickled cucumbers, sour cream or a spoonful of mustard are common extras.
How long does it take to make Hernesupp (Estonian Split Pea Soup with Smoked Pork)?
About 1 h 45 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Hernesupp (Estonian Split Pea Soup with Smoked Pork)?
About 325 kcal per serving, with 20 g of protein, 44 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 325 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 13 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
