Swedish Yellow Pea Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup captures the essence of simple, wholesome cooking. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and highly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or looking for a filling weekday meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, its nostalgic, earthy taste is universally loved and endlessly comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Yellow split peas

• Carrots

• Onions

• Celery

• Potatoes

• Vegetable broth

• Bay leaves

• Thyme

• Salt and pepper

• Butter (optional for richness)

• Beef sausage or smoked beef strips (optional for added protein)

Directions

1. Rinse the yellow split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris.

2. Add the peas to a large pot with vegetable broth, enough to cover the peas by a few inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

3. While the peas cook, chop the carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes.

4. Once the peas are softened, add the chopped vegetables along with bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.

5. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

6. For a creamy texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender or a standard blender in batches. You can also leave it a bit chunky for more texture.

7. Stir in butter for extra richness, if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.

8. If using, add slices of beef sausage or smoked beef strips during the final 10 minutes of simmering.

9. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs, a swirl of cream, or crispy croutons.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6 people and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes total: 15 minutes for prep and 1 hour 30 minutes for cooking.

Variations

• Make it vegan by skipping the butter and using a plant-based broth.

• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

• Add smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.

• Use green split peas if yellow ones are not available, keeping in mind the flavor will change slightly.

• Include diced smoked tofu or chickpeas instead of sausage for a vegetarian protein boost.

Storage/Reheating

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use green split peas instead of yellow?

Yes, green split peas work well but will slightly change the flavor and color of the soup.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Swedish Yellow Pea Soup?

Yes, freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Do I need to soak the peas before cooking?

No soaking is necessary, but rinsing is important to clean the peas.

How can I make the soup creamier?

Blend part or all of the soup and add a little butter or cream at the end.

What can I use instead of butter for a lighter version?

You can omit the butter or replace it with a splash of olive oil.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, it naturally is, as long as you check that the broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add meat to the soup?

Yes, slices of beef sausage or smoked beef strips work wonderfully for extra heartiness.

What sides pair well with this soup?

Serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Swedish Yellow Pea Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity, making it an ideal dish for any time you need a hearty, warming meal. With its rich texture and adaptable flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy each cozy spoonful!

Swedish Yellow Pea Soup

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner, Soup, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop (Boiling and Simmering)
• Cuisine: Swedish, Scandinavian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Warm your soul with Swedish Yellow Pea Soup, a hearty and comforting dish filled with creamy split peas, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or meal prep, this rustic soup delivers cozy flavors and timeless nourishment.

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Ingredients

Yellow split peas

Carrots

Onions

Celery

Potatoes

Vegetable broth

Bay leaves

Thyme

Salt and pepper

Butter (optional)

Beef sausage or smoked beef strips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Rinse yellow split peas under cold water.

2. Add peas to a large pot with vegetable broth to cover by several inches. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

3. Meanwhile, chop carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes.

4. When peas have softened, add chopped vegetables, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

5. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

6. For a creamy texture, blend the soup partially or fully using an immersion blender or standard blender.

7. Stir in butter for richness if desired, and adjust seasoning to taste.

8. If using meat, add sliced beef sausage or smoked beef strips during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, a swirl of cream, or croutons if desired.

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Notes

Make it vegan by skipping the butter and using plant-based broth.

Spice it up with cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Add smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.

Green split peas can substitute for yellow, altering the flavor slightly.

Smoked tofu or chickpeas make excellent vegetarian protein additions.