This fresh pea soup is bright and bursting with flavor! It’s made with simple ingredients like sweet peas, onions, and a touch of cream for a creamy texture. Yum!
Honestly, nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade pea soup. I love how quick it is to make—just blend and enjoy. Perfect for impressing your friends or cozying up on a chilly day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: You can use either for cooking. I enjoy the rich flavor of butter, but olive oil is a healthier option. If you’re dairy-free, go for extra virgin olive oil for a nice taste.
Onion: A medium onion adds great depth to the soup. If you don’t have onions, shallots or leeks can also work well. They lend a different flavor without overpowering the peas.
Fresh or Frozen Peas: Fresh peas have a sweeter taste, but frozen peas are a great substitution and often more convenient. Just make sure they are thawed before cooking.
Heavy Cream: This contributes to the soup’s creaminess. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half, or for a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk. Just be cautious if you want to keep the flavor mild.
Fresh Herbs: Herbs like mint or parsley brighten the dish. If you only have dried herbs, use a fraction of the dried amount, as they are more potent. Fresh herbs always add that extra touch!
How Do I Achieve a Velvety Smooth Texture?
Pureeing the soup well is crucial for a smooth texture. Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splashing hot liquid everywhere. Using an immersion blender makes it easy, but if using a countertop blender, blend in batches.
- Blend until the soup is completely smooth. This step is key to enjoying a silky pea soup.
- Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the blender to incorporate all the ingredients!
After blending, stir in the heavy cream gently, and reheat without boiling to keep that creamy consistency. Happy cooking!
How to Make Fresh Pea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas (reserve some for garnish)
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley and pea shoots or fresh mint)
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Fresh Pea Soup recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to cook, making the total time about 35 minutes. Quick and easy, perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This will give our soup a wonderful flavor base!
2. Add the Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell delightful!
3. Cook the Peas:
Next, stir in the fresh or frozen peas. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green. This bright color means they’re full of flavor!
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the peas are tender. This step makes the soup nice and comforting.
5. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Carefully use a blender—either an immersion blender or a countertop blender—to puree the soup until it’s very smooth. This creates that lovely velvety texture!
6. Stir in the Cream:
Add the heavy cream to the pureed soup, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir it gently, and if needed, reheat the soup over low heat, but make sure not to boil it after adding the cream.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Pour the soup into bowls and drizzle a little extra cream on top. Garnish with the reserved whole peas, fresh pea shoots or parsley, and a pinch of black pepper for that final touch. If you like, serve it with some crusty bread for dipping!
Enjoy your vibrant, creamy Fresh Pea Soup! It’s a delicious way to celebrate fresh flavors in your meal.
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe and are often sweeter due to being picked and frozen at peak freshness. Just make sure to thaw them if you’re using them directly from the freezer!
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the consistency if it thickens.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that coconut milk will add a slight coconut flavor to the soup.
