Swedish Yellow Pea Soup (Ärtsoppa)
A hearty and comforting Swedish classic, this yellow pea soup features smoky ham, tender peas, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cold evenings or meal prep, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried yellow peas whole or split
- 1 large ham hock about 1 lb
- 2 medium yellow onions
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh
- 2 whole cloves for studding the onion
- Grainy mustard for serving
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 8 cups water or chicken broth for extra flavor
Instructions
- Soak the peas: Rinse the yellow peas in cold water, picking out any debris. If using whole peas, soak them overnight. If using split peas, soak for 2–4 hours before draining.
- Prep the base: In a large pot, combine 8 cups of water (or chicken broth), soaked peas, 1 finely chopped onion, 1 whole onion studded with 2 cloves, diced carrots, and the ham hock. Bring to a boil, skimming off any foam.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes (1.5–2 hours for whole peas) until peas are tender. Check the liquid level and add more water if needed.
- Blend for texture: Remove the ham hock and studded onion. Puree 2–3 cups of soup using a blender or immersion blender, then return the puree to the pot. Alternatively, mash some of the peas for a rustic feel.
- Finish the soup: Shred the ham from the hock, discarding skin and bones. Stir the shredded meat, thyme, salt, and white pepper into the soup. Simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve with flair: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a dollop of grainy mustard. Enjoy with rye bread, crispbread, or focaccia.
Notes
- Storage: The soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes for up to 3 months. Reheat with extra liquid if it thickens.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the ham hock and use vegetable broth with smoked salt or liquid smoke.
- Pairing: Serve with rye bread, crispbread, or a whole-grain roll. For drinks, try a chilled lager or warm punsch for a traditional experience.