Norwegian Pea Soup

Norwegian Pea Soup Recipe - Authentic & Delicious

Region / culture: Norway | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Norwegian Pea Soup is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Norway for generations. This hearty and comforting soup is made with yellow split peas, salt pork, vegetables, and seasonings. It is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for cold winter days.

History

Pea soup has been a staple in Norwegian cuisine for centuries. It is a simple and affordable dish that was often made by farmers and families in rural areas. The soup was a way to use up leftover ingredients and provide a filling meal for the whole family. Over time, the recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved comfort food in Norway.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of green or yellow split peas
2 qt (1.89 liter) of boiling water
0.25 lb (113 g) of lean salt pork (in one piece)
1 large carrot, diced
1 large stalk of celery, including leaves, diced
5 green onions, including tops, sliced
2 tsp of salt (varies with saltiness of pork)
0.25 tsp of pepper

How to prepare

Sort the peas.
Place the peas in boiling water over moderate heat and add the salt pork.
Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours.
Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and simmer while stirring for 1 to 1.5 hours or until the mixture becomes quite thick.
Add salt if desired.

Variations

Add diced ham or bacon for a smoky flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.
Add chopped potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sort the peas before cooking to remove any debris or stones.

- Simmer the soup slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

- Stir the soup frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Norwegian Pea Soup can be served with a slice of crusty bread or topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

- Stir the soup frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use smoked turkey or chicken sausage instead of salt pork.

- Use green split peas or lentils instead of yellow split peas.

Make Ahead Tips

Norwegian Pea Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Norwegian Pea Soup in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Norwegian Pea Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Norwegian Pea Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to thin out the soup.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Norwegian Pea Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Norwegian Pea Soup contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Norwegian Pea Soup contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of Norwegian Pea Soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Norwegian Pea Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Norwegian Pea Soup contains pork.

Summary

Norwegian Pea Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is relatively low in calories.

Summary

Norwegian Pea Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for cold winter days. This hearty soup is made with yellow split peas, salt pork, vegetables, and seasonings, and is a comforting meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, I came across a recipe for Norwegian Pea Soup. The description of the dish, with its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, immediately caught my attention.

Growing up, I had always been surrounded by delicious food. My mother was an excellent cook, and she had taught me many of her own recipes over the years. But this Norwegian Pea Soup was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It called for simple ingredients like split peas, carrots, onions, and ham, but promised to deliver a rich and satisfying flavor that would warm you from the inside out.

I decided then and there that I needed to make this soup. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions in the cookbook to the letter. As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its enticing aroma, I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When it was finally ready, I ladled myself a bowl of the piping hot soup and took a tentative sip. The first taste was revelatory. The flavors were deep and earthy, with just a hint of sweetness from the carrots. The ham added a rich smokiness that took the soup to another level. I was hooked.

From that day on, Norwegian Pea Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for my family and friends, who all raved about its deliciousness. I even brought it to potlucks and dinner parties, where it was always a hit. Over time, I began to experiment with the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes.

One day, while shopping at the local farmers market, I met a woman who introduced herself as Sigrid. She was Norwegian, and when I mentioned that I loved making Norwegian Pea Soup, her eyes lit up. She told me that her own grandmother had passed down the recipe to her, and that it was a cherished family tradition.

Sigrid invited me to her home to learn how to make the soup the authentic Norwegian way. I was thrilled at the opportunity and eagerly accepted. When I arrived at her cozy kitchen, she greeted me with a warm smile and a hug. Together, we set to work, chopping vegetables and simmering the peas until they were soft and tender.

As we cooked, Sigrid shared stories of her childhood in Norway, where her grandmother would make Norwegian Pea Soup on cold winter nights to warm her family from the inside out. She told me about the tradition of serving the soup with freshly baked bread and a dollop of sour cream, and how it brought everyone together around the dinner table.

I listened intently, absorbing every detail and savoring the connection I felt to this dish that had become such a beloved part of my own culinary repertoire. When the soup was finally ready, Sigrid and I sat down to enjoy our creation. The flavors were even more vibrant and complex than I had ever experienced before, and I knew that I had truly found the heart and soul of Norwegian Pea Soup.

From that day on, Sigrid and I became fast friends. We would often meet to cook together, swapping recipes and sharing stories of our respective culinary adventures. She introduced me to other traditional Norwegian dishes, like lefse and lutefisk, and I in turn shared some of my own family recipes with her.

As the years passed, our friendship deepened, and I came to appreciate not only the delicious food we shared, but also the bond that had formed between us. Sigrid's generosity and warmth reminded me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and forge connections that could last a lifetime.

And so, as I sit here now, stirring a pot of Norwegian Pea Soup on a chilly autumn day, I feel grateful for the journey that led me to this moment. From the pages of an old cookbook to the kitchen of a dear friend, this soup has been a constant source of comfort and joy in my life. And I know that as long as I keep cooking and sharing it with others, the tradition of Norwegian Pea Soup will live on, bringing warmth and nourishment to all who taste its delicious embrace.