Hernekeitto (Finnish Split Pea Soup)

Ingredients

Dried green split peas

1 cup

Pork shoulder

1 pound, cut into chunks

Smoked ham hock

1

Onion

1, chopped

Carrots

2, diced

Potatoes

2, diced

Bay leaves

2

Salt

1 teaspoon

Pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Water

8 cups

Fresh parsley

for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the dried split peas under cold water and drain well.
2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed split peas, water, pork shoulder, onion, diced carrots, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and the smoked ham hock.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
4. Simmer the soup for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking. Add more water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
5. Remove the bay leaves and the smoked ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return the shredded meat to the pot, discarding the bone.
6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
7. Serve the hernekeitto hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.