Hernesupp Suitsulihaga (Estonian Shrove Tuesday Yellow Split Pea & Barley Soup) – Authentic Estonia Recipe
Thick, smoky Estonian Vastlapäev winter soup of split peas and plump barley.
- Country of Origin
- 🇪🇪 Estonia (Northern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegan
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Yellow split peas, Pearl barley, Diced carrots and smoked tofu/mushrooms, Smoked paprika, Marjoram
Ingredients for Hernesupp Suitsulihaga (Estonian Shrove Tuesday Yellow Split Pea & Barley Soup) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) yellow split peas, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups pearl barley, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup diced carrots and smoked tofu/mushrooms
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with smoked paprika
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Estonia seasoning (marjoram, fresh parsley, garlic)
- 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 smoked paprika for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in marjoram, fresh parsley, garlic and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Estonia's kitchen.
- Add yellow split peas and pearl barley, 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 diced carrots and smoked tofu/mushrooms, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.