Swedish Pea Soup With Pork
A hearty Swedish pea soup with tender pork, flavorful herbs, and comforting simplicity, perfect for cold days and satisfying family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak yellow peas in enough water to cover them and add 1 tablespoon salt per 3 3/4 cups water. Leave for about 12 hours, then drain off the liquid.
- Place pork knuckle or pork shoulder in a large saucepan and cover with water.
- Bring the meat to a boil and skim off any foam.
- Peel and add the sliced onion to the saucepan.
- Boil for about 1 hour, then add the drained peas.
- Simmer over low heat until the peas are soft and the meat is tender, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Skim thoroughly during cooking.
- If the meat is cooked before the peas, remove it and keep warm.
- Add crumbled thyme or marjoram towards the end of cooking.
- Season with salt if necessary before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the yellow peas overnight to ensure even cooking. If you can't find lightly salted pork knuckle, a smoked ham hock can be a flavorful substitute. Adjust the herbs based on your preference; if thyme is unavailable, marjoram works well too. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can enhance the flavor further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Swedish pea soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of French-Style String Beans And Tomatoes for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Pea Soup With Pork contains roughly 170 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried green peas instead of yellow peas?
Yes, you can substitute dried green peas for yellow peas, but the flavor and color will change slightly. Green peas tend to be slightly sweeter, and the soup will have a different appearance. Ensure to soak them in the same way as yellow peas for optimal cooking.
What can I serve with Swedish pea soup?
Swedish pea soup is traditionally served with mustard and often enjoyed with a side of pancakes for dessert. For more variety, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a light salad to balance the meal. A simple Rouladen can also complement the flavors nicely.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the pork and replace it with vegetable broth for depth of flavor. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness of the meat. Additionally, include more vegetables like carrots and celery for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).