Fresh Pea Soup is a light, vibrant, and nourishing dish perfect for spring and summer. Made with sweet green peas and a handful of wholesome ingredients, this soup offers a creamy texture and fresh garden flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Fresh Pea Soup is easy to make, naturally sweet from the peas, and beautifully green. It’s an excellent way to highlight seasonal produce and makes a great starter or a light lunch. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s always satisfying. Plus, it’s vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free to suit various dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh or frozen green peas
- Olive oil or butter
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth or chicken broth
- Fresh mint or parsley (optional for garnish and flavor)
- Salt and pepper
- Cream or yogurt (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the peas and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until peas are tender.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender or working in batches with a countertop blender, blend the soup until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm or chilled, garnished with fresh herbs and a swirl of cream or yogurt if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use olive oil and skip the cream garnish or replace it with coconut milk or a vegan yogurt.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh mint, basil, or dill to the blender for extra flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Lemon Zest: Stir in a bit of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
- Protein Boost: Top with a poached egg or crispy chickpeas.
storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency.
FAQs
What kind of peas should I use?
You can use fresh or frozen green peas. If using fresh, make sure they are shelled. Frozen peas are convenient and work just as well.
Can I freeze Fresh Pea Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Do I have to use cream?
No, cream is optional. The soup is naturally creamy from the peas. You can also use a non-dairy alternative or leave it out completely.
Can I make this soup without a blender?
If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the peas with a potato masher for a chunkier texture or leave it as a broth-based soup with whole peas.
Is Fresh Pea Soup healthy?
Yes, it’s a nutritious option, rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins. You can adjust fat or sodium content by choosing appropriate broth and oil.
What herbs go well with pea soup?
Mint, parsley, dill, and basil pair wonderfully with the sweet flavor of peas.
Can I serve this soup cold?
Absolutely. Fresh Pea Soup is delicious chilled and makes a great summer appetizer.
What can I serve with Fresh Pea Soup?
Crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a simple green salad make great accompaniments.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a few boiled potatoes or extra peas and blend again.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
Conclusion
Fresh Pea Soup is a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the best in seasonal ingredients. Its ease of preparation, customizable flavors, and wholesome nutrition make it a go-to recipe for any time of year. Whether served warm on a cool evening or chilled on a sunny afternoon, this soup is sure to impress.
Description
This fresh pea soup is light, creamy, and packed with the sweet flavor of spring peas. It’s easy to make and perfect as a starter or a light lunch. Serve it warm or chilled—either way, it’s delicious and refreshing.
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Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and cook for 34 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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Add peas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 810 minutes, until peas are tender.
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Remove from heat. Stir in mint leaves, if using.
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Blend the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a blender until smooth.
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Stir in cream or coconut milk, if using.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Notes
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For a vegan version, use coconut milk instead of cream.
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Fresh mint adds a lovely flavor, but you can skip it for a more classic pea taste.
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Great served with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
