Cream of Pea Soup
A creamy and vibrant pea soup that transforms fresh or frozen peas into a silky, nutritious delight. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients and a quick cooking method to deliver a healthy, satisfying dish perfect for any season.
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
