Luxurious Finnish Golden Split Pea Soup
Immerse yourself in the comforting essence of Finnish cuisine with this Luxurious Golden Split Pea Soup. With roots in Finnish tradition, this vegetarian soup embodies the simple yet hearty flavors of the Nordic landscape. Celebrated every Thursday nationwide, this dish is a staple that warms the soul during long winters and can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Combining the earthy richness of golden split peas with the sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, this soup brings a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The addition of aromatic spices like allspice and cumin enhances its warmth and complexity, making it a delightful choice for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Whether served as an appetizer or a hearty main dish, this soup is bound to become a treasured favorite in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable stock
12 cups (Can use part water)
Yellow split peas
3 cups (Can use green split peas if preferred)
Onions
2 (Minced)
Garlic cloves
6 (Minced)
Salt
2 teaspoons (To taste)
Bay leaf
1 large (Whole)
Carrots
3 (Chopped)
Parsnips
2 (Chopped (or turnips or more carrots))
Potatoes
3 (Diced)
Celery stalks
4 (Minced)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Dried mustard
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (Use 1 teaspoon if fresh)
Ground cumin
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
To garnish (To taste)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the vegetable stock, split peas, salt, and bay leaf.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the split peas to start softening.
3
While the split peas are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Mince the onions and garlic, chop the carrots and parsnips (or turnips), and dice the potatoes and celery.
4
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onions and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5
Add the chopped carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and celery to the skillet, and sauté for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.
6
Introduce the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the split peas. Stir everything well to combine.
7
Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are extremely soft and begin to break apart.
8
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Use an immersion blender, or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor to purée until smooth. You can leave some chunks for texture if desired.
9
Stir in the dried mustard, ground allspice, dried thyme, ground cumin, and freshly ground black pepper. Reheat gently on low heat, adjusting seasonings to taste.
10
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious Finnish classic!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Finnish Golden Split Pea Soup?
Finnish Golden Split Pea Soup is a traditional, hearty vegetarian dish from Finland made with yellow split peas, root vegetables, and aromatic spices like allspice and cumin.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, using vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients.
When is split pea soup traditionally served in Finland?
In Finland, split pea soup is a staple dish that is traditionally celebrated and served every Thursday nationwide.
Can I use green split peas instead of yellow split peas?
Yes, while yellow split peas provide the traditional golden color, you can use green split peas if you prefer.
What type of stock is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 cups of vegetable stock, but you can use part water if desired.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 6 minced garlic cloves to provide a rich, aromatic flavor.
What root vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup features carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, which add sweetness and a hearty texture.
What can I substitute for parsnips?
If you don't have parsnips, you can substitute them with turnips or simply add more carrots.
How long does it take for the split peas to soften initially?
After bringing the stock and peas to a boil, you should simmer them for about 20 minutes to start the softening process.
Why are the vegetables sautéed before adding them to the soup?
Sautéing the onions, garlic, and other vegetables in olive oil helps to release their flavors and soften them before they join the split peas.
How long is the total simmering time after adding vegetables?
The soup should simmer for an additional 40 to 50 minutes until the split peas are extremely soft and breaking apart.
What spices give this soup its unique flavor?
The soup is seasoned with dried mustard, ground allspice, dried thyme, and ground cumin.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, if using fresh thyme, increase the amount to 1 teaspoon.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaf once the soup has finished cooking and before blending.
How should I blend the soup?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor to purée until smooth.
Can I leave the soup chunky?
Yes, if you prefer more texture, you can leave some chunks rather than puréeing the soup completely smooth.
Is this soup considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is a healthy option filled with fiber from peas and nutrients from a variety of vegetables.
What is the role of dried mustard in this recipe?
Dried mustard adds a subtle tang and depth that is traditional in Nordic split pea soups.
How much olive oil is required?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the aromatics and vegetables.
How much celery is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 minced celery stalks.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, this soup is versatile and can be served as either a light appetizer or a hearty main dish.
What should I use for garnish?
The recipe suggests garnishing with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is cumin a traditional ingredient in this soup?
The addition of ground cumin enhances the warmth and complexity of the traditional flavors.
How many potatoes should I use?
The recipe requires 3 diced potatoes.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that involves basic chopping, sautéing, and simmering.
Can I adjust the amount of spices?
Absolutely, the salt, mustard, allspice, and cumin can all be adjusted to your personal taste.
Does this soup keep well for leftovers?
Split pea soup generally stores very well and can often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
What makes the soup 'luxurious'?
The combination of multiple root vegetables, rich vegetable stock, and a smooth puréed texture gives it a more luxurious feel than standard pea soup.
What is the primary protein source in this soup?
The primary protein source is the yellow split peas.
What is the recommended pot size?
A large pot is recommended as the recipe uses 12 cups of stock plus a significant amount of peas and vegetables.