Name: Swedish Yellow Pea Soup: A Cozy, Hearty Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 2 cups dried yellow peas; 2 bay leaves; 1 ham hock; 1 quart chicken or game stock (optional); 1 leek, diced (or 1 large yellow onion); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cups celery root, peeled and diced small; 2 carrots, peeled and diced small; 1 cup rutabaga, peeled and diced small; 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; Black pepper, to taste

Description

This Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is a hearty and comforting Scandinavian classic, perfect for warming up on a cold winter day. Made with tender yellow peas, ham hock, root vegetables, and fresh herbs, this flavorful soup fills you up and satisfies your cravings for something nutritious and satisfying. Great as a main course or appetizer!

Ingredients

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2 cups dried yellow peas
2 bay leaves
1 ham hock
1 quart chicken or game stock (optional)
1 leek, diced (or 1 large yellow onion)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups celery root, peeled and diced small
2 carrots, peeled and diced small
1 cup rutabaga, peeled and diced small
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a large soup pot, combine yellow peas, bay leaves, and ham hock. Cover with water (about 2 ½ quarts) and bring to a simmer. Cook gently, partially covered, for about 2 hours until the peas are tender and the ham hock is starting to fall off the bone.
Remove the bay leaves. Fish out the ham hock and discard the bones. Separate the meat from the skin and chop the meat roughly. Mince the skin (use at least half of it for added body in the soup).
For a smoother texture, you can puree some or all of the peas. Use an immersion blender or carefully blend in a regular blender (be cautious when blending hot liquids).
Return the meat to the pot with the peas. Add optional stock, thyme, root vegetables, and leek. Bring to a simmer and taste, adding salt if needed. Cook gently until the vegetables are tender, even if a few begin to break down.
When the vegetables are tender, add parsley and black pepper. Serve the soup hot with fresh bread.

Notes

This soup is traditionally served with rye bread or crusty bread on the side.
For a richer flavor, you can add a bit of cream or butter when serving the soup.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 230
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 25mg