- Pork belly or shoulder (1 pound, cut into cubes)
- Bacon (4 slices, diced)
- Onions (3 large, chopped)
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled and sliced)
- Celery stalks (2, sliced)
- Ham hock (optional, 1 piece)
- Thyme (2 sprigs)
- Bay leaves (2-3)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (freshly ground)
- All-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth (enough to cover ingredients)
- Cream or half-and-half (1 cup, for serving)
*Keywords: Danish pea soup, green split peas, pork, bacon, onions, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, flour, water, chicken broth, cream, cooking ingredients, recipe ingredients*
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### Danish Pea Soup (Kjøttbollar på Grønne Bønner) with Pork
#### Introduction
Danish pea soup is a hearty comfort dish that pairs perfectly with pork buns. This rich, flavorful soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and flavor. Follow these detailed steps to create a perfect Danish pea soup with pork.
#### Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or butt, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups (2 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) green split peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
#### Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Pork**
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil or butter and allow it to melt.
3. Sear the pork chunks on all sides until they are browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
**Step 2: Sauté Vegetables**
1. In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic.
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
3. Stir in diced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes.
**Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings**
1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
2. Return the pork to the pot.
3. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
**Step 4: Add Peas and Cook**
1. Stir in the green split peas into the soup.
2. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes to allow the peas to cook thoroughly.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
#### Optional Garnish
- Serve the Danish pea soup with a side of pork buns, which are small meatballs made from ground pork mixed with various seasonings like mustard powder, onion, and salt. Bake or pan-fry them until golden brown before serving.
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#### Conclusion
Enjoy this comforting Danish classic paired with pork buns for a complete meal. This soup is perfect for cold evenings or as part of a festive holiday gathering. With its rich flavor and hearty texture, it will become a favorite in your household!