Hernekeitto Finnish Split Pea Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Hernekeitto, a traditional Finnish Split Pea Soup that's as hearty as it is flavorful. This classic Nordic recipe combines tender green split peas with the smoky richness of pork hock or ham, simmered to perfection alongside aromatic vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery. Infused with bay leaf and thyme, each spoonful offers a velvety, savory taste that embodies the essence of Finnish home cooking. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is easy to prepare, with the split peas breaking down into a naturally creamy consistency during its slow cooking process. Garnish with vibrant fresh parsley and serve with a side of mustard for an authentic Scandinavian touch. Ready in just a few simple steps, this delightful dish is perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd with wholesome comfort.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams dried green split peas
- 2 liters water
- 500 grams smoked pork hock or ham
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water and pick out any debris or damaged peas. Soak them in cold water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add the smoked pork hock or ham and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Peel and dice the yellow onion, carrot, and celery stalk into small pieces. Add them to the pot along with the soaked peas, bay leaf, and dried thyme.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5
Check the smoked pork hock or ham after about 1.5 hours. Remove it from the pot, shred the meat off the bone, and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone and any excess fat.
Step 6
Season the soup with salt and ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7
Continue simmering the soup until the peas break down and become creamy. You can mash some of the peas with the back of a spoon for a thicker consistency, if desired.
Step 8
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley.
Step 9
Serve hot with a dollop of mustard on the side for an authentic Finnish touch, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (3260.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2942.6 |
| Total Fat 81.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 26.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 350mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7150.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 334.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 130.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 47.7g | |
| Protein 227.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 531.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 31.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 6617.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories