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Hernekeitto (Finnish Split Pea Soup)
Hernekeitto is a beloved Finnish split pea soup that warms the soul with its hearty flavor and comforting texture. Traditionally enjoyed on Thursdays in Finland, this dish features tender green split peas simmered with savory pork and root vegetables, creating a dish that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Topped with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this soup is perfect for chilly days and a wonderful way to gather friends and family around the table.
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
- Rinse the dried split peas under cold water and drain well.
- 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.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the hernekeitto hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra flavor.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Soup Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Calories: 320 Fat: 12g Carbs: 34g Protein: 22g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 3g
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