Ärtsoppa och Pannkakor

When most people hear about pea soup and pancakes their first reaction is Yuck!; but then they taste the unique combination and they're hooked or obsessed (like me). I'm sure you're wondering who would have thought to eat pea soup and pancakes together and I have no clue but I'm so thankful they did. What I did learn in Sweden is that pea soup and pancakes is the traditional lunch served on Thursdays. Schools follow this, homes follow this, even the army serves this.

I first learned about this yummy meal when I attended the reccegasque at my nation, Snerikes. At Uppsala University every student has to join one of the thirteen nations named after various regions in Sweden. When the university was originally founded these nations served as homes and communities for the students of that region. Nowadays students no longer have to be from that region to join the nation, except for Sodernmanlands-Nerikes (Snerikes). The nations have also evolved into clubs, pubs, and restaurants along with choirs, orchestras, and sports clubs. Since the exchange rate in Sweden is terrible the nations were an awesome alternative to regular clubs and restaurants and they are only for students. But lets go back to my first experience with pea soup and pancakes.

The Reccegasque is a dinner where new members of the nation learn the traditional etiquette for formal dinners called gasques. I was slightly nervous when I looked at the menu and saw pea soup and pancakes but I was seated at the table with most of the leaders of the nation and didn''t want to see like a ridiculous American. I mean I ate pea soup before I arrived in Sweden it couldn't be that different right? Well it was. The peas pureed as they are here but I think it give it more flavor. I was taken aback when the soup was served with vafflor(waffles) but when along with the Swedes and waited for the pancakes. The pancakes were served with ligonberry jam and cream. This night also began my obsession with ligonberry jam. In case you've never had Swedish pancakes they are similar to crepes not fluffy American pancakes. After my first taste of pea soup and pancakes it wasn't long before I was going to lunch every thursday at Stockholms nation for them. And if I couldn't make it for lunch the grocery store sold pea soup and I could easily make the pancakes. It became a weekly craving that I couldn't resist and have desperately missed since I returned. I've tried several brands of pea soup but the closest I've found is Amy's Organic Split Pea soup. It's the closest in flavor and consistency. And it's easy to find a recipe for Swedish pancakes on the internet because they're made of flour, eggs, and milk and the key is to make them thin. I was never a fan of the cream so I leave it out when I make it but ligonberry jam can be picked up at Ikea.

If your still skeptical then try it and I swear you'll change your mind.