Traditional Swedish Pea Soup Recipe

While almost never served in fantastic eating places and practically under no circumstances showing up on smorgasbords, soups are necessary in conventional Swedish delicacies. 1 soup in particular-ärtsoppa–has a distinguished history.

Yellow pea soup has sustained the functioning course since the age of the Vikings. When Catholicism was the reigning faith of Sweden, ärtsoppa, which is studded with salt pork, became the food of preference prior to Sabbath every 7 days.

These days, though the Catholic Church has couple of followers in predominantly secular Sweden, the soup is nonetheless eaten every single Thursday in numerous homes. Ärtsoppa is generally served with mustard you possibly swirl a little bit of mustard into the soup to time the entire good deal or dip the idea of your soupspoon into the spicy condiment just before each bite.

Yellow Pea Soup (Ärtsoppa)

Serves 4 to 6

1 pound whole dried yellow peas (split peas are acceptable)

2 onions, chopped good

1 full onion, peeled, halved, and each and every 50 percent stuck with 1 whole clove

1/2 pound piece lean salt pork

1/4 teaspoon marjoram

1/2 teaspoon thyme

Salt (if required)

Whole-grain brown mustard

1. Soak the peas in water at minimum 12 hrs.

2. Drain the peas, put them in a massive saucepan, cover with 6 cups cold water, chopped onions, and the onion halves with cloves. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a medium simmer. Incorporate the salt pork, include, and permit simmer for about 90 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Add the marjoram and thyme to the pan, stir, and let simmer another 15 minutes. Year to style with salt. Eliminate the pork, enable to cool just right up until comfy to handle, then minimize into parts. Take out and discard the onion halves with their cloves.

3. Divide the pork among rimmed bowls, then ladle the soup over it. Move a bowl of grainy brown mustard at the desk.

Delight in this superb Swedish tradition served sizzling with chunks of bread.