Swedish pea soup
Swe-dish pea soup
Thursday is pea soup day!
Country:
Sweden
To:
Lunchtime
Preparation:
90 min
Persons
4
Introduction
About the pea soup
In Sweden, soup is rarely on the menu, as there is hardly a distinct soup culture like in Central Europe. Nevertheless, one hearty exception has survived to this day: the classic pea soup, »Ärtsoppa«. Particularly popular due to its nutritious, simple ingredients and long shelf life, it was mainly served in military kitchens, on ships and in schools.
Pea soup was already known in the Middle Ages, but its roots probably go back even further. In Viking times, peas and pork were considered the food of the gods and the writer August Strindberg even called it »food of the gods«. There is also a dark anecdote about King Erik XIV, who, according to legend, died from poisoned pea soup – there is at least evidence of arsenic poisoning.
Traditionally, Thursday is pea soup day in Sweden, a custom that dates back to the Catholic Middle Ages: Before the fasting day on Friday, people would serve up a real feast. Today you can find the soup pre-packaged in the supermarket – a real piece of everyday Swedish culture.
Introduction
About the pea soup
In Sweden, soup is rarely on the menu, as there is hardly a distinct soup culture like in Central Europe. Nevertheless, one hearty exception has survived to this day: the classic pea soup, »Ärtsoppa«. Particularly popular due to its nutritious, simple ingredients and long shelf life, it was mainly served in military kitchens, on ships and in schools.
Pea soup was already known in the Middle Ages, but its roots probably go back even further. In Viking times, peas and pork were considered the food of the gods and the writer August Strindberg even called it »food of the gods«. There is also a dark anecdote about King Erik XIV, who, according to legend, died from poisoned pea soup – there is at least evidence of arsenic poisoning.
Traditionally, Thursday is pea soup day in Sweden, a custom that dates back to the Catholic Middle Ages: Before the fasting day on Friday, people would serve up a real feast. Today you can find the soup pre-packaged in the supermarket – a real piece of everyday Swedish culture.
Ingredients
- 5500 g frozen peas
- 1 onion
- 100 g smoked ham cubes (vegetarians can leave these out or replace them with vegan meat alternatives)
- 700 ml water
- 2 tbsp powder for vegetable stock
- 1 squeeze of lemon juice
- 250 ml cream, soy cream or coconut milk
- Thyme, marjoram and bay leaf to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Cook the potatoes and pasta.
Step 2
Dice the sausage and bacon, cut the onions and potatoes into thin slices.
Step 3
Heat the lard in a pan, fry the bacon and sausage in it, add the onion slices and continue to fry.
Step 4
Then add the potatoes, fry and finally mix in the pasta and season.
Serve while still hot.
More recipes
Minestrone
Minestrone is one of Italy’s most famous vegetable soups. Combining seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta, it is a hearty classic of Italian home cooking. Discover the history of this traditional soup and learn how to prepare it yourself with our classic recipe.
Gnocchi
Gnocchi are among Italy’s oldest and most beloved specialties, prized for their delicate texture and remarkable versatility. Discover the history of these traditional Italian dumplings and learn how to prepare them yourself with our classic recipe.
Saltimbocca alla Romana
Saltimbocca alla Romana is one of Italy’s most celebrated meat dishes, combining tender veal, savory prosciutto, and fragrant sage in a timeless classic of Roman cuisine. Discover the history of this traditional specialty and prepare it yourself with our authentic recipe.
