Swedish Pea Soup

Posted by Hillibee

Serves 4 @ 7PP per serving

Thursday is traditionally pea soup and pancakes day in Sweden - I think it comes from the army and national service, but all the restaurants and canteens serve it on Thursdays.  The soup is accompanied by alcoholic punch (similar to Pimms) and is followed by pancakes served with either lingon or cloudberry jam and whipped cream.

250g dried yellow split peas

25g margarine

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, shredded or coarsely grated

2 vegetable stock cubes

800ml hot water

1 teasp marjoram

salt and pepper to taste

The night before, put the peas into a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to soak overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly.

Melt the margarine in a saucepan. Add the onion and cook gently until soft and lightly browned.

Add the carrots and mix well.

Dissolve the stock cubes in the boiling water and add to the pan along with the soaked peas and dried marjoram. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 1 - 1.5 hours until the peas are tender.

Add seasoning to taste.

Serve with a dollop of mild mustard (the squirty type people squirt on hot dogs) and a sprinkling of marjoram.

Freezes well.