Gule Ærter Vegansk (Traditional Danish Yellow Split Pea, Leek & Thyme Pot) – Authentic Denmark Recipe
Centuries-old Danish winter soup of slow-simmered yellow peas, root vegetables, and fragrant thyme.
- Country of Origin
- 🇩🇰 Denmark (Northern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegan
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Yellow split peas, Sliced leeks, Carrots, Fresh thyme, Marjoram
Ingredients for Gule Ærter Vegansk (Traditional Danish Yellow Split Pea, Leek & Thyme Pot) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) yellow split peas, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups sliced leeks, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh thyme
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Denmark seasoning (marjoram, bay leaf, whole grain mustard on the side)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and fresh thyme for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in marjoram, bay leaf, whole grain mustard on the side and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Denmark's kitchen.
- Add yellow split peas and sliced leeks, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
- Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
- Fold in carrots, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.