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This Cream of Pea Soup stands out as a wonderfully simple yet elegant dish that brings fresh or frozen peas into a smooth, comforting form.
Not only is it delightfully creamy and flavorful, but it also boasts impressive health benefits.
Peas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which promote fullness and digestive health.
The soup’s light use of butter and heavy cream offers a touch of good fats while keeping saturated fats moderate, making it a balanced choice for daily meals.
Its quick preparation and stovetop cooking make it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping in advance.
Plus, this soup is versatile—perfect as a light lunch, a starter for dinner, or even a nourishing snack.
The vibrant green color and fresh herb garnish make it visually appealing and appetizing.
Overall, it’s an accessible, nutrient-rich option that blends wholesome ingredients with ease and elegance.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Large Soup Pot
Essential for sautéing onions and garlic evenly and simmering the soup without crowding, this pot provides even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and ensuring your soup cooks perfectly every time. Beyond this recipe, it’s a versatile kitchen staple for stews, stocks, and more.
Immersion Blender
This handheld blender lets you puree the soup directly in the pot, saving time and reducing mess. Its ease of use means you can achieve a silky smooth texture effortlessly. It’s also perfect for making smoothies, sauces, and baby food.
Chef’s Knife
A sharp, reliable chef’s knife makes chopping onions and mincing garlic quick and safe, improving prep efficiency. A good knife is indispensable for all kitchen tasks, from dicing vegetables to slicing meats.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement of ingredients like broth, peas, and cream ensures consistency in flavor and texture. These tools are fundamental for any recipe, helping maintain perfect balance every time you cook.
Cream of Pea Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large Soup Pot
- 1 Immersion Blender (or regular blender)
- 1 Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups fresh or frozen shelled green peas
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preparing the Aromatics: Begin by placing a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely, creating a rich base for the soup. Once melted, add the finely chopped small yellow onion and minced garlic cloves. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula to ensure the onions and garlic soften evenly without browning or burning. This process should take about 5 minutes, during which the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, laying the foundation for a flavorful soup.
- Adding Broth and Peas: Once your aromatics are tender and fragrant, pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth carefully, ensuring you scrape the bottom of the pot gently to incorporate any flavorful browned bits from the butter and aromatics. Next, add 3 cups of fresh or frozen shelled green peas. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients, then season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ⅓ teaspoon of ground black pepper. These seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the peas and balance the flavors in the soup.
- Simmering to Tenderness: Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the soup simmer undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the peas to soften thoroughly and the flavors to meld together. It’s important to keep the heat low enough to prevent the soup from boiling over or evaporating too quickly, preserving the right liquid consistency.
- Pureeing the Soup: When the peas are tender and fully cooked, it’s time to puree the soup to achieve that signature velvety texture. Using an immersion blender, insert it directly into the pot and blend the soup in slow, controlled motions until it becomes smooth and creamy. Take care to avoid splashing hot soup. Alternatively, if you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend on low or pulse settings until smooth, returning each batch to the pot immediately after. This step transforms the soup from chunky to luxuriously smooth.
- Finishing with Cream and Adjustments: After pureeing, stir in ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream to enrich the soup and add a luscious texture. Mix well to ensure the cream is fully incorporated. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt or pepper to suit your palate. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or mint for a fresh herbal note and an appealing burst of color just before serving.
Notes
- Uses fresh or frozen peas for convenience and versatility
- Butter, onion, and garlic create a flavorful aromatic base
- Vegetable broth adds depth without overpowering pea flavor
- Simmering softens peas and blends flavors perfectly
- Immersion blender used for smooth, creamy texture
- Heavy cream enriches soup with a luscious finish
- Seasoning adjusted after blending enhances taste balance
- Garnishing with fresh herbs (parsley or mint) adds color and freshness
- Can be made vegan by substituting butter and cream with plant-based alternatives
- Leftovers store well in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently to maintain creamy texture, add cream after reheating if frozen
- Quick prep and cook time ideal for weeknight meals or meal prep
- Nutritious: high in plant protein and fiber, moderate in good fats
- Pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or grilled sandwiches for a balanced meal
Chef’s Secrets: Elevate Your Pea Soup
To make your pea soup stand out, start with high-quality ingredients—fresh peas if possible, and a flavorful vegetable broth.
Sautéing the onions and garlic gently without browning helps build a delicate base that enhances the natural sweetness of the peas.
Using an immersion blender allows you to control the soup’s texture perfectly, but for a silkier finish, strain the blended soup through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining fibrous bits.
Adding cream at the end enriches the soup without overpowering the fresh pea flavor.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving.
These small touches create a restaurant-quality dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings and Presentation
This vibrant green soup is perfect served warm with a variety of accompaniments.
Pair it with crusty artisan bread or buttery garlic toast for a classic combination that adds texture.
A crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy soup beautifully and adds brightness to your meal.
For a heartier option, serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple roasted chicken breast.
Garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, or chives adds a fresh aroma and visual appeal.
A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds can add richness and crunch for added dimension.
Storage Tips: Keep Soup Fresh Longer
Store any leftover pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling of the cream and to maintain its smooth texture.
If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, simply stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it.
For longer storage, this soup freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly. Avoid freezing the soup after adding cream, as it may separate; instead, add cream fresh after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions: Common Pea Soup Queries
1. Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are a convenient alternative and retain much of their flavor and nutrients. Just be sure not to thaw them before cooking; add them straight to the broth.
2. How can I make this soup vegan?
Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or any plant-based milk for a creamy, dairy-free version.
3. Is it necessary to peel fresh peas?
No peeling is needed for shelled peas. Just ensure they’re fresh and tender for the best texture.
4. Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead. Store it chilled and reheat gently, adding cream just before serving for best texture.
5. What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of smoked paprika to brighten and deepen the flavor profile.
This recipe is inspired by brooklynfarmgirl and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
