ärtsoppa

ärtsoppa is a traditional Swedish soup made from dried yellow peas. The dish is usually prepared by simmering soaked peas with a meat base, commonly pork or a ham bone, along with onions, carrots, and sometimes potatoes. The soup is seasoned with bay leaf, thyme or marjoram, and salt and pepper, resulting in a thick, hearty base. Variations exist, including additions such as celery or smoked meat, and there are vegetarian versions that use vegetable stock and omit meat while still aiming for a rich flavor.

Historically, ärtsoppa has been linked to Swedish cuisine as a weekday staple and is widely associated with Thursday meals. In many public canteens, schools, and restaurants, Thursday is known for serving ärtsoppa with pancakes (pannkakor) as a customary pairing, often followed by crepes with jam and whipped cream. The dish lends itself to batch preparation and can be kept as leftovers, which has contributed to its lasting presence in home cooking and traditional eateries. While some urban menus have diversified in recent decades, ärtsoppa remains a recognizable symbol of classic Swedish comfort food and is commonly prepared in homes and traditional kitchens.