Ärtsoppa—a classic yellow pea soup—holds a special place in Swedish culture, with its long-standing tradition of being eaten every Thursday. This hearty dish, often served with bread and followed by pancakes, has its roots in medieval Catholic fasting practices. Over time, it evolved into a beloved weekly ritual, enjoyed in homes, schools, and even the military. The soup is simple yet flavorful, made with yellow peas, smoked meat, and aromatic herbs, and is simmered for hours to develop a rich, comforting taste. After enjoying a bowl of ärtsoppa, Swedes indulge in pannkakor (thin pancakes) with jam—a perfect, sweet end to the meal. In today’s fast-paced world, ärtsoppa remains a timeless connection to Swedish heritage, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow split peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked ham or pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups water or broth vegetable or chicken
- salt and pepper to taste
- mustard optional, but highly recommended for an extra kick
- fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the peas: Rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly under cold water, then set them aside to drain.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the pork: Add the chunks of smoked ham or pork to the pot and allow them to brown lightly, which will help release their rich flavors.
- Add the peas and herbs: Toss in the rinsed peas, dried marjoram, thyme, and the bay leaf. Pour in the water or broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas have softened and the soup has thickened.
- Season and serve: Once the soup is thick and flavorful, season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra burst of flavor, stir in some mustard. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
- Enjoy! Serve your homemade ärtsoppa hot, accompanied by crusty bread for the perfect Swedish meal.
Notes
Ärtsoppa: why swedes still eat yellow pea soup every thursday 🍲
If you ever find yourself in Sweden on a Thursday, don’t be surprised if everyone around you is eating the same thing. No, it’s not a national holiday—it’s ärtsoppa day.
This thick yellow pea soup, often served with a slice of bread 🍞 and followed by pancakes 🥞, isn’t just a popular dish. It’s a weekly ritual that dates back hundreds of years. And honestly? There’s something deeply comforting about it. ❤️
So… why thursday? 🤔
The story goes way back to when Sweden was still a Catholic country. Fridays were fasting days—no meat, no heavy meals. So on Thursdays, people would eat something hearty to sustain them. And what’s more filling than a bowl of slow-cooked pea soup with chunks of pork? 🍖 Over time, the tradition stuck. Even today, schools, restaurants, and the military all serve ärtsoppa on Thursdays. It’s become a national tradition—quiet, simple, and very Swedish. 🇸🇪What’s so special about it? ✨
At first glance, it might not look like much. Yellow peas, onion, some herbs, and a bit of smoked meat. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This soup is rich, cozy, and full of flavor—especially after a long simmer on the stove. 🥄 It’s one of those meals that warms you up from the inside. 🥰 The secret? Time. Ärtsoppa isn’t something you rush. You let it simmer slowly while the peas break down and the flavors meld together. By the time it’s done, it’s more than just soup—it’s comfort in a bowl.But wait—there’s pancakes 🥞
In true Swedish fashion, ärtsoppa is usually followed by pannkakor—thin, crepe-like pancakes served with jam 🍓 and maybe some whipped cream 🍦. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both simple and a little celebratory. And honestly, after a bowl of pea soup, it hits the spot.Why it still matters 🌍
In a world full of takeout and food delivery apps, there’s something special about a meal like this—something that connects people to the past. Ärtsoppa isn’t flashy or trendy. It’s humble, nourishing, and deeply rooted in Swedish life. 🧑🍳
Even the military still serves it every Thursday. That says a lot. 👨👩👧👦
So next time it’s Thursday, maybe give ärtsoppa a try. It’s not just a soup—it’s a little piece of tradition that still makes people pause, gather, and enjoy something warm and familiar. ☺️
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