Swedish Yellow Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried yellow peas 2 cups (400g) dried yellow peas
• 1 ham hock (about 1 lb / 450g) 1 ham hock (about 1 lb / 450g)
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried yellow peas under cold water and remove any debris.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the peas, ham hock, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, bay leaves, dried thyme, and water.
3. 3.
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
4. 4.
   Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat. Discard the bone and fat, then return the shredded meat to the pot.
5. 5.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the Swedish Yellow Pea Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ham hock — Make sure to choose a high-quality ham hock with good meat-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and texture in the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water for a flavorful base.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for added creaminess.
• Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated when ready to serve.
• To add a bit of tanginess, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the soup before serving.
• For a heartier meal, serve the Swedish Yellow Pea Soup with Swedish meatballs on the side.

Serving advice

Serve the Swedish Yellow Pea Soup piping hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of crispbread or Swedish pancakes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or traditional Swedish soup bowls for an authentic presentation.