Pea Soup with Pork

Pea Soup with Pork Recipe from Sweden - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: Sweden | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pea soup with pork is a hearty and comforting dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of split peas with the rich and savory taste of salt pork, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Pea soup with pork has its origins in Scandinavian cuisine, where split peas have long been a staple ingredient. The addition of salt pork adds depth and richness to the soup, making it a popular dish for cold winter days.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) (2 cups) dried yellow Swedish peas or domestic yellow split peas
5 cups cold water
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 medium onion, whole, peeled and studded with 2 cloves
1 lb (454 g) lean salt pork, in 1 piece
1 tsp marjoram leaf or
0.25 tsp marjoram powder
0.5 tsp thyme
salt

How to prepare

Wash the dried peas in cold running water and place them in a saucepan.
Cover with 5 cups of cold water and boil over high heat.
Boil briskly for 2 or 3 minutes and let the peas soak in the water for an hour.
Skim off any pea husks that may have risen to the surface, add the finely chopped onion, the whole onion, salt pork, marjoram, and thyme.
Boil again.
Immediately lower the heat and simmer with the pot partially covered for about 1.25 hours.
Remove the whole onion and the salt pork from the soup and cut the pork into slices.

Variations

Add diced carrots or celery for added flavor and texture.
Use bacon or ham instead of salt pork for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off any pea husks that rise to the surface while boiling the peas.

- Simmer the soup with the pot partially covered to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Cutting the salt pork into slices before serving adds a nice texture to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pea soup with pork with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the peas briskly for a few minutes before soaking to help soften them.

- Simmer the soup with the pot partially covered to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version of the soup.

- Substitute smoked turkey or chicken for the salt pork for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

Pea soup with pork can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish pea soup with pork with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve pea soup with pork with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer for a delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pea soup with pork in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pea soup with pork contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pea soup with pork contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pea soup with pork contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of pea soup with pork contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pea soup with pork is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Pea soup with pork is a nutritious and filling dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Pea soup with pork is a classic dish that is both delicious and nutritious. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a cold winter's day, with the snow falling softly outside and the wind howling through the cracks in the old farmhouse. I had been feeling a bit under the weather, and nothing sounded better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup to soothe my soul.

As I rummaged through my old recipe box, searching for inspiration, I stumbled upon a faded, handwritten note tucked away in the back. It was a recipe for Pea Soup with Pork, passed down to me by my dear friend Margaret many years ago. I could still remember the day she had shared it with me, the aroma of simmering peas and tender pork filling her cozy kitchen.

Margaret was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. She had learned this particular recipe from her own grandmother, who had brought it over from the old country many generations ago. The secret, Margaret had told me, was in the slow simmering of the peas and the rich, savory flavor of the pork.

I knew that this was just the recipe I needed to lift my spirits on that dreary winter day. Gathering my ingredients, I set to work in the kitchen, chopping onions and carrots, browning the pork in a hot skillet, and then adding the peas and broth to simmer slowly on the stove.

As the soup bubbled away, filling the air with its tantalizing aroma, I found myself lost in memories of days gone by. I remembered Margaret's warm smile as she served me a steaming bowl of Pea Soup with Pork, the flavors melding together in perfect harmony. I could almost taste the rich, savory broth, the tender chunks of pork, and the sweet, delicate peas melting on my tongue.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the soup was ready. I ladled it into a bowl, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream. Taking a tentative sip, I closed my eyes and savored the familiar flavors that danced on my taste buds.

The soup was everything I had hoped for and more. The peas were perfectly tender, the pork melted in my mouth, and the broth was rich and flavorful. It was as if each spoonful was a hug from Margaret herself, comforting me in my time of need.

From that day on, Pea Soup with Pork became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it whenever I needed a bit of comfort, a taste of home. And each time I did, I would think of Margaret and the legacy of love and friendship she had passed down to me through this simple, yet delicious, recipe.

As I sit here now, many years later, sharing this story with you, I can't help but smile. The memory of that cold winter's day, the warmth of the soup as it filled my belly, and the love that went into each and every spoonful – it all comes flooding back to me, like a cherished old friend.

So the next time you're feeling a bit down or in need of a bit of comfort, why not try making a pot of Pea Soup with Pork? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe someday you'll pass the recipe on to a loved one, just as I did with you.

For now, though, I'll leave you with this: may your bowl always be full, your heart always be warm, and your soul always be comforted by the simple pleasures of good food and good company. Enjoy, my dear, and remember – the best recipes are the ones that come from the heart.