This fresh pea soup is bright and green, making it a cheerful meal! It’s made with sweet peas, a bit of onion, and some broth to create a smooth and tasty dish.
Let’s face it, there’s something so fun about slurping up a bright green soup! I like to top it with a little cream or croutons for some extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its fruity flavor. If you have dietary restrictions, you can swap it for avocado oil or even coconut oil.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, a shallot works well too. You could also use leeks for a slightly different taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for aroma. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too; just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Peas: Fresh peas make this soup vibrant, but frozen peas are just as good and easy to find. They’re usually frozen at their peak freshness!
Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it light, but chicken broth will add a hearty flavor. If you’re vegetarian, stick to vegetable broth or a homemade alternative.
Mint: Fresh mint brightens the soup, but if you can’t find it, basil is an excellent substitute. Just use a bit less, as it has a stronger flavor.
Cream or Coconut Milk: For a creamy finish, I prefer coconut milk for its subtle sweetness, but heavy cream works too. For a lighter option, you could skip it entirely!
How Can I Make My Pea Soup Super Creamy?
The trick to a wonderfully creamy pea soup is all about blending. When you puree, make sure to let it cool slightly before blending if using a stand blender to avoid any splatter.
- Blend in batches if necessary to avoid overfilling your blender.
- Use an immersion blender for easy clean-up and to keep your soup warm.
- For extra creaminess, adding cream or coconut milk after blending keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
And remember, don’t re-boil after adding the cream to keep everything perfectly smooth! Enjoy your creamy delight!
How to Make Fresh Pea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup cream or coconut milk for added creaminess
- Croutons for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and delicious—perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Cook the onion until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step helps to build a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Peas:
Now, stir in the peas and cook for about 2 minutes. If you’re using frozen peas, they will heat up quickly!
4. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook until the peas are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re good when they’re bright green and soft.
5. Stir in the Mint:
Once the peas are tender, take the pot off the heat and stir in the fresh mint leaves. This adds a lovely aromatic flavor right before blending!
6. Blend until Smooth:
Using an immersion blender is super handy here, but a stand blender will work too. Puree the soup until it’s nice and smooth and creamy. If using a stand blender, let it cool slightly before blending to avoid any splashes.
7. Add Creaminess (Optional):
Return the pureed soup to low heat. If you want it extra creamy, stir in the cream or coconut milk now. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and warm through again but make sure not to bring it to a boil.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your fresh pea soup is ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls while it’s hot and garnish with whole peas, a drizzle of olive oil, fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and croutons on the side for some crunch.
This delightful Fresh Pea Soup is not only tasty but beautifully green, filled with the bright, sweet flavors of peas and mint. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are a fantastic substitute and are often just as sweet as fresh ones. Use them without thawing; just toss them in as directed in the recipe!
How Can I Store Leftover Pea Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes, this soup can easily be made vegan! Simply substitute the cream with coconut milk, and use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.
What Should I Serve with Fresh Pea Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or garlic croutons for added texture. Enjoy it as a light meal or appetizer!
