A hearty, comforting Nordic classic, Hernekeitto is a traditional Finnish split pea soup made with green peas and savory ham. Often enjoyed on Thursdays in Finland, this protein-rich dish is simple, satisfying, and deeply rooted in Finnish culture.
Equipment
- Large bowl (for soaking peas)
- Heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cup
- Ladle
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups green split peas (soaked for 6–8 hours or overnight)
- 1-2 lbs ham (ham hock, ham bone, or boneless ham)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 6 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Salt, to taste
- White or black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1-2 carrots, chopped
- 1 celery root (celeriac), diced
- 1 small rutabaga or parsnip, chopped
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1-2 thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp mustard (for serving)
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty rye or sourdough bread
- Butter (e.g., Kerrygold)
- Finnish pancakes (lettu or pannukakku) for dessert
Instructions
- Soak the PeasPlace split peas in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight or for at least 6–8 hours. Drain before cooking.
- Combine IngredientsIn a large soup pot, combine soaked peas, diced onion, ham, and 6 cups of water or broth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring to a BoilBring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Simmer GentlyReduce heat and simmer uncovered for 75–90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and creamy and the ham is fully cooked.
- Remove & Shred HamIf using a bone-in ham, remove it, shred or chop the meat, and return it to the pot.
- Taste & AdjustSeason with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with mustard, crusty bread, and butter.
Notes
Split pea soup, known in Finland as Hernekeitto, is a beloved traditional dish often enjoyed on Thursdays across the country. This warm, comforting bowl of slow-simmered green peas and savory ham has deep roots in Finnish culinary culture and beyond — stretching all the way back to medieval Europe.
Although not every child grows up loving split pea soup (many Scandinavian-American kids may recall dreading it at the dinner table), it's a dish that tends to grow on people with age. In one modern American kitchen, a home cook recently gave Hernekeitto another try after years of avoiding it — and discovered just how satisfying and flavorful it really is. Even if the kids aren’t on board (yet!), this soup continues to bridge generations.
Let’s dive into how to make this classic Finnish pea soup — complete with cultural notes, serving suggestions, and tasty variations to make it your own. 🇫🇮
📜 A Bit of History: Why Thursdays?
Serving Hernekeitto on Thursdays is a centuries-old tradition in Finland, originally linked to Christian fasting practices. In medieval times, it was common to abstain from meat on Fridays. As a result, Thursday became the day for a filling, protein-rich meal — and Hernekeitto fit the bill perfectly. Even today, many Finnish schools and military canteens serve this soup on Thursdays, often followed by a dessert of Pannukakku (Finnish oven pancake) or lettu (thin pancakes) — making this meal not only comforting, but also nostalgic for many Finns.🧂 Ingredients for Finnish Split Pea Soup with Ham
Main Ingredients:- 2 cups green split peas
- 1–2 pounds ham (smoked ham hock, leftover meaty ham bone, or even boneless ham)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 6 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Salt and freshly ground white or black pepper, to taste
- Bay leaf, thyme sprigs, or whole allspice (for extra depth)
- Carrots, celery root, rutabaga, or parsnips (for a more Nordic-style soup)
- Mustard for serving (Finns love adding a dollop on the side!)
- Crusty rye bread or sourdough, plus butter (Kerrygold is an excellent choice)
🍲 Tools & Equipment
- Large bowl (for soaking peas)
- Heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cup
- Ladle
- Cutting board and knife
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Finnish Split Pea Soup
1. Soak the Peas
Start by soaking the green split peas in a large bowl of cold water. They’ll expand, so make sure to use plenty of water. Soak overnight, or for at least 6–8 hours.⏱️ Tip: If you're short on time, a quick-soak method can work — bring peas to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for an hour before draining.
2. Prepare the Soup Base
Drain the soaked peas and transfer them to a large soup pot. Add:- 6 cups of water or broth
- The diced onion
- Your ham or ham bone
- A pinch of salt and pepper
3. Simmer Gently
As the soup starts to boil, skim off any foam that rises to the surface — this helps keep the broth clear and clean-tasting. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 75 to 90 minutes, or until the peas are tender and creamy and the ham is fully cooked.🥄 If your ham cooks faster than the peas, remove it, cover it with foil to keep warm, and return it to the pot when the peas are done.
4. Finish & Serve
Once fully cooked, remove the ham and chop or shred it, then stir it back into the soup — or slice and serve on the side. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.🥖 Don’t forget the sides: Crusty rye or sourdough bread with good butter and a dab of mustard elevate this meal beautifully.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: Make It a Thursday Tradition
For the full Finnish experience, serve this soup on a Thursday evening with:- Lettu or Pannukakku (Finnish pancakes) for dessert
- A simple salad or pickled beets on the side
- A cozy fire or candlelight ✨
🛠️ Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like carrots, parsnips, and celery root for flavor and texture.
- Meat Alternatives: Try lamb, salt pork, or even smoked turkey leg for different flavors.
- Yellow Split Peas: While green split peas are more common in U.S. stores, yellow split peas are traditionally used in Finland and other Nordic countries.
- Aromatic Herbs: Add a bay leaf or sprig of thyme with the ham for extra fragrance.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Hernekeitto
- Rich in protein and fiber
- Budget-friendly and perfect for using up leftover ham
- Deeply satisfying and nostalgic
- Perfect for meal prepping — it tastes even better the next day!
🔁 Leftovers & Storage
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. It also freezes beautifully — just reheat gently and add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.🇫🇮 Embrace the Finnish Comfort Food Tradition
Whether you're revisiting a childhood classic or discovering Finnish cuisine for the first time, Hernekeitto is a soulful dish that delivers warmth, history, and nourishment with every spoonful. 🥰