This Fresh Pea Soup is vibrant and packed with a lovely green color! Made with sweet peas, onion, and a touch of mint, it’s refreshing and oh-so-simple to whip up.
I love how this soup makes me feel like I’m enjoying spring, even in the middle of winter! Serve it warm or cold, and don’t forget to garnish with a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A staple for cooking, olive oil gives a nice flavor to the soup. You can substitute it with other oils like avocado or canola oil if you want a milder taste.
Onion: Onions add depth to the flavor. Yellow onions are great, but you can also use white onions or shallots. If you’re in a hurry, leeks could work too!
Peas: Fresh peas are ideal for a bright flavor. If out of season, frozen peas are a wonderful alternative – they’re often just as tasty and super convenient!
Herbs (Mint & Basil): These herbs give the soup its fresh flavors. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried versions can work, but use less since they’re more concentrated. I typically love the flavor of parsley as a replacement, too!
Broth: Veggie broth provides a classic base, while chicken broth offers a richer profile. Choose based on your dietary rules or what you have on hand.
Cream or Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess but can be optional. For a lighter version, you can skip it altogether or use a nut-based milk like almond milk for a dairy-free option.
How Can You Achieve a Creamy Texture in Your Soup?
Getting that smooth and creamy texture is all about blending. Here’s how to make sure your pea soup comes out just right:
- After cooking the peas, mint, and basil, remove the pot from heat before blending.
- If using a countertop blender, blend the soup in batches. This avoids overfilling and mess!
- For an immersion blender, just blend directly in the pot until smooth.
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in the cream or coconut milk right after blending for an even richer texture.
Remember: blending while hot can make the soup easier to puree. Just be careful of splatters!
How to Make Fresh Pea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh peas (a small handful, optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fresh pea soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes making this vibrant soup that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir it often until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn—nobody likes burnt garlic!
3. Stir in Peas and Broth:
Now, it’s time to add the peas along with the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the peas are tender and beautiful!
4. Infuse with Herbs:
Add in the fresh mint and basil leaves, letting them cook for an additional 2 minutes. This allows the lovely herb flavors to spread throughout the soup.
5. Blend the Soup:
Remove the pot from heat. Time to make the soup creamy! Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender (in batches if needed). Blend until it’s nice, smooth, and creamy.
6. Finish off the Soup:
Return your pureed soup to the pot if using a countertop blender. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk now if you want that extra creaminess! Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Sauté Fresh Peas for Garnish:
In a small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add a small handful of fresh peas and sauté them lightly for about 2 minutes until just tender. These fresh peas will be a tasty garnish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the soup into bowls while it’s still hot. Garnish each serving with the sautéed peas, extra mint, and basil leaves. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper on top for an additional flavor boost!
Enjoy your vibrant and delicious fresh pea soup!
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are a great substitute and will work well in this recipe. They are often picked and frozen at peak freshness, making them just as tasty as fresh peas.
How Can I Store Leftover Pea Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes, it’s easy to make this soup vegan! Simply skip the heavy cream or coconut milk, or substitute it with a dairy-free cream alternative. Ensure that you use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based!
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Mint or Basil?
No worries! If you can’t find fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe, since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. You can also consider using parsley for a different flavor twist!