There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of Swedish Yellow Pea Soup—it’s the kind of dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. This soup is full of flavor, with tender peas, a savory broth, and just the right balance of seasonings. Plus, it’s 100% halal, with no pork, so everyone can enjoy it. If you’ve never had it before, get ready for a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This dish is the perfect blend of hearty, wholesome, and satisfying. It’s simple, yet packed with flavor, making it a great weeknight dinner or an easy meal to prep for the week.
Comforting & Filling: Hearty yellow peas make this soup a perfect winter warmer.
Hearty & Wholesome: It’s packed with protein from the peas and flavors that make every spoonful satisfying.
Quick & Easy: This soup doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it a great go-to meal for busy days.
Customizable: Add extra veggies or spice it up with a touch of heat if you like!
Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s even better the next day, so it’s great for leftovers!
Ingredients in Swedish Yellow Pea Soup
This soup is made with a few simple, wholesome ingredients:
Yellow Peas: These are the stars of the show! They’re earthy, mild, and when cooked, they create a creamy texture in the soup.
Carrots: These add natural sweetness and texture to balance out the peas.
Onions: A must for that savory base flavor.
Garlic: To enhance the depth of the soup’s flavor.
Vegetable Broth: Use vegetable broth to keep it fully halal while still providing a rich base for the soup.
Halal Sausage (or Meat of Choice): Instead of traditional pork, go for halal sausage or chicken for a savory touch.
Bay Leaves: For a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Thyme & Dill: These herbs give the soup that classic Swedish flavor.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course!
(Note: Full ingredient amounts and directions are in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Making this Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is easy and will fill your kitchen with the most comforting smells:
1. Rinse the Peas:
Start by rinsing the yellow peas under cold water and remove any debris. Then, soak them in water for about 8 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but it’ll take longer to cook the peas.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic, and sauté them until softened and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Peas & Broth:
Add the soaked peas to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the peas are tender.
4. Cook the Sausage:
While the soup is simmering, cook your halal sausage or chicken in a separate pan. Slice the sausage into rounds once it’s cooked.
5. Blend the Soup (Optional):
Once the peas are soft and cooked through, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Some people like to leave it chunky, but blending it makes it creamy and smooth.
6. Add the Sausage & Herbs:
Stir in the cooked sausage or chicken and sprinkle in some fresh dill. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes so all the flavors meld together.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your soup warm with a side of crusty bread. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy on a cozy evening!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(see notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
How to Serve Swedish Yellow Pea Soup
This soup is already hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your meal, here are some ideas:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to dip in the soup.
- Pickled Vegetables: A side of tangy pickles balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
- Salad: A light, fresh salad would complement the soup and add a bit of crunch.
Additional Tips
- For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon to the soup just before serving for a tangy kick.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the sausage and use extra veggies or tofu for protein.
- Thicker Soup: If you like a thicker soup, blend part of the peas with some of the broth and stir it back in.
- Storage: Leftover soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it also freezes well for future meals.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen peas instead of dried peas?
Yes, but frozen peas cook much faster. You can skip the soaking step and just cook the peas for about 20 minutes.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
3. What can I substitute for halal sausage?
You can use chicken sausage, beef sausage, or even cubed chicken breast. Just be sure to cook it separately before adding it to the soup.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.
5. Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker?
Yes! If using a pressure cooker, cook the peas for about 25-30 minutes, then follow the remaining steps as usual.
6. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your broth and sausage are also gluten-free.
7. Can I make this soup spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper while cooking.
8. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Try adding parsnips, leeks, or celery for extra flavor and texture.
9. Can I use a different type of pea?
Yellow peas are traditional, but you can also use split peas if you prefer. The texture may be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious.
10. Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s a mild and comforting soup that kids will love. You can adjust the seasoning to make it even milder for younger taste buds.
CONCLUSION
There’s something about a steaming bowl of Swedish Yellow Pea Soup that just makes you feel cozy inside. It’s full of hearty peas, savory broth, and flavorful sausage—exactly what you need for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for the family or making a big batch for the week, this soup is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Enjoy!
Print
Swedish Yellow Pea Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A traditional Swedish comfort food made with yellow split peas, root vegetables, and often flavored with pork or smoked meat. Hearty, warming, and perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas
- 8 cups water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 parsnip, diced (optional)
- 1 smoked ham hock or 200g (7 oz) diced smoked pork (optional for vegetarian version)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Swedish-style or Dijon, for serving)
Instructions
- Rinse yellow split peas under cold water and drain.
- In a large pot, combine peas, water, and ham hock or pork (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, parsnip (if using), bay leaf, and thyme.
- Simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas break down and soup thickens.
- Remove ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot (if used).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with a dollop of mustard and rye bread on the side.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- Soup can be blended for a smoother texture, though traditionally it’s served chunky.
- Tastes even better the next day after flavors have developed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg