Creamy pea soup is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. This smooth and vibrant soup is packed with sweet peas, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream for richness. It’s easy to make, healthy, and can be enjoyed as a starter or a light meal.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: It takes less than 30 minutes to make.
- Healthy: Peas are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed hot or cold.
- Minimal ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.
- Kid-friendly: The mild, sweet flavor of peas makes this a hit with all ages.
- Freezer-friendly: This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh or frozen peas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Fresh mint or parsley (optional)
- Heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Sautรฉ the aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautรฉ until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add peas and broth: Stir in peas and broth. If you’re using fresh peas, simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. For frozen peas, cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a swirl of cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Herb variation: Replace mint with basil, parsley, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
- Protein boost: Add cooked ham or bacon bits for a heartier version.
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth and coconut milk.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried peas for this soup?
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them separately before adding them to the soup.
2. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth adds a richer flavor, but either works well.
3. How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a potato during cooking.
4. Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly and don’t require much cooking time.
5. What other garnishes can I add?
Try croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or crispy bacon for added texture.
6. Can I serve this soup cold?
Yes, creamy pea soup can be served chilled as a refreshing summer dish.
7. Can I add other vegetables?
Carrots, celery, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrients.
8. What kind of cream should I use?
Heavy cream is ideal for a rich soup, but half-and-half or coconut milk works for a lighter version.
9. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth is gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
10. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Creamy pea soup is a simple, flavorful recipe thatโs perfect for a cozy meal or a refreshing starter. With minimal ingredients and customizable options, this dish can easily be tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, this versatile soup is sure to become a household favorite.
Print
Creamy Pea Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy pea soup is a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that can be served hot or chilled. Made with sweet peas, onions, garlic, and a touch of cream, itโs a simple and elegant soup thatโs perfect for a quick lunch or starter. Its smooth texture and vibrant green color make it not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ the vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sautรฉ for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. - Cook the peas:
Add the peas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the peas are tender. - Blend the soup:
Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches), blend the soup until smooth and creamy. - Add the cream:
Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with a little more broth or water. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or mint if desired. Enjoy it hot, or refrigerate and serve chilled for a refreshing twist.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and coconut cream.
- You can substitute fresh peas with frozen peas for convenience.
- To make it more filling, you can serve it with crusty bread or add a dollop of sour cream on top.
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