If you’ve never tried this comforting classic, let me introduce you to the heartwarming charm of the Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe. It’s a soul-soothing dish, rich with tender yellow peas simmered to perfection alongside savory ham and aromatic herbs. This soup has that lovely, rustic feel that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Whether you’re craving a simple lunch or a fulfilling dinner, this recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of Swedish homestyle cooking right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of wholesome ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed bowl of goodness. Each one plays a crucial role, enhancing the soup’s comforting texture, gentle earthiness, and rich meaty notes.
- 2 cups dried yellow peas: These little legumes provide the creamy, hearty base that gives the soup its unique golden color and velvety texture once cooked down.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a savory sweetness that deepens as it simmers, building the soup’s aromatic foundation.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Bring a subtle natural sweetness and lovely orange contrast to the mix.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds freshness and a gentle crunch that balances the dense peas.
- 1 ham bone or 2 cups cooked ham, diced: This is the soul of the soup, infusing it with smoky, meaty richness that makes every spoonful satisfying.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses warmth and a hint of herbal depth during the slow simmer.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a delicate earthy note, complementing the ham beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough kick to awaken the flavors without overpowering.
- 8 cups water or chicken broth: The liquid that melds all ingredients together, chicken broth adds extra savory goodness if you want a richer soup.
- 1 tablespoon mustard (for serving): Brightens each bowl with a tangy contrast that’s traditionally served alongside.
- Salt to taste: Brings out the full spectrum of flavors once everything is cooked.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal lift.
How to Make Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Start the Soup
Begin by rinsing and sorting your yellow peas carefully to remove any small debris or stones. In a large pot, combine the yellow peas with water or chicken broth along with chopped onion, carrots, celery, your ham bone or diced ham, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. This medley sets the base for incredible flavor.
Step 2: Simmer Slowly to Develop Richness
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently. Cover the pot and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas have softened completely and started to break apart, releasing their creamy essence into the broth. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Add Ham Meat and Season
If you cooked with a ham bone, remove it now, pick off any remaining meat, shred it, and stir it back into the soup. If you’re using diced ham, simply stir it in after the peas are tender. Then season with salt to your liking and toss out the bay leaf. This final seasoning step lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
Step 4: Finish and Serve with a Touch of Mustard
The classic finish is a dollop of mustard stirred right into your bowl when serving—it adds an uplifting tang that balances the creamy, smoky depth of the soup. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top brings a fresh, bright note that’s lovely both in flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While this soup shines on its own, a small handful of chopped fresh parsley makes for a fragrant herbaceous contrast and a beautiful splash of green against the golden hue. The traditional mustard spooned on the side adds a gentle zing that enhances every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Serving thin Swedish pancakes, or “pannkakor,” alongside this soup is an authentic and delightful companion. Their light, delicate texture contrasts with the rich, hearty soup perfectly. Crusty rye bread or a crisp green salad also pair nicely if you want something simple and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic mugs or deep bowls with a mustard swirl on top and a sprig of parsley for that homey, elegant touch. You could also add a small piece of pickled beet or a dollop of sour cream for a Scandinavian flair that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to mingle. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Re-stir before reheating to keep its creamy consistency intact.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Because of its thick texture, it may slightly separate when frozen, but a good stir while reheating brings it back to life perfectly.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much during storage. Avoid boiling to preserve that silky smooth texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use split peas instead of yellow peas for this recipe?
Split peas can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind they might change the soup’s texture and slightly alter the flavor. Yellow peas give a creamier, milder profile that is more traditional in this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check any processed ham for additives. It’s a great comforting option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make it vegetarian, swap the ham bone or ham for smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky depth and use vegetable broth. For vegan versions, also skip the mustard or use a plant-based alternative. The soup still maintains incredible heartiness thanks to the yellow peas.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup is traditionally thick and creamy, with the peas mostly broken down to create a velvety base. If you prefer it thinner, add more broth or water to reach your ideal consistency before serving.
What’s the best way to serve the mustard with the soup?
Serve mustard as a small dollop on top of each bowl or on the side so guests can stir in an amount they like. It adds a lovely brightness that balances the rich soup perfectly without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty, nourishing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, I can’t recommend this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup Recipe enough. It’s straightforward, deeply flavorful, and full of that old-world charm that makes every spoonful memorable. Give it a whirl—you might just find a new favorite to soothe your soul and impress your family or friends.
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 comforting and hearty dish made with dried yellow peas, vegetables, and ham. Slow-simmered to develop rich flavors, it’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Served with a dollop of mustard and garnished with fresh parsley, this soup offers a delicious taste of Swedish home cooking.
Ingredients
Main 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 and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon mustard (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the peas and vegetables: Rinse and sort the yellow peas carefully to remove any debris. In a large pot, combine the peas with water or chicken broth, chopped onion, diced carrots, chopped celery, ham bone or diced ham, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the peas are tender and have mostly broken down, thickening the soup.
- Remove and shred ham (if using ham bone): Take out the ham bone from the soup when the peas are cooked through. Remove any meat from the bone, shred it finely, and return it to the soup. If you used diced ham, simply stir it in after the soup has finished cooking.
- Season and finish: Discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a tablespoon of mustard on top of each serving and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Optionally, serve with thin Swedish pancakes on the side for a traditional accompaniment.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse and sort the peas thoroughly to avoid grit in the soup.
- Using a ham bone from a cooked ham adds depth of flavor, but diced cooked ham works well too.
- The soup thickens as it cooks; add a bit more broth or water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Mustard is a traditional topping and adds a nice tang to the soup.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
