25-Minutes Fresh Pea Soup Recipe (Easy And Creamy)

by Julia
No Comments
July 21, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

“Step into spring no matter the season with our Fresh Pea Soup, a bowl brimming with the vibrant essence of freshly picked peas. This lush, verdant delight sings with the sweet notes of nature’s bounty, while a whisper of mint adds a subtle zing, elevating the flavors to new heights. Each spoonful is as comforting as it is rejuvenating, with a creamy texture that caresses the palate. Dive into this garden-fresh creation and let the pure, green goodness envelop your senses in a dance of culinary bliss!”

Discover the heartwarming allure of Fresh Pea Soup Recipe. This velvety delight, teeming with tender peas and an array of aromatic herbs, transports you to an enchanting realm of culinary satisfaction.

Its vibrant hue whispers of flourishing gardens and summer afternoons.

Each spoonful introduces a symphony of flavors, melding rustic notes with sophisticated subtleties. The magic doesn’t end there. This delightful broth satisfies your taste buds and offers a bounty of nourishment.

Dive into our comprehensive guide to this timeless masterpiece. Prepare to be enticed, one spoonful at a time.

What Is Fresh Pea Soup?

Fresh Pea Soup is a rich, vibrant dish made from tender garden peas simmered gently to create a thick, heartwarming broth.

Often pureed to a creamy consistency, it’s infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and sometimes a hint of mint or basil.

Its delightful color evokes lush gardens, while its comforting taste encapsulates the essence of wholesome, homemade meals.

This classic soup is beloved worldwide, offering a lovely blend of healthful nutrients and delectable flavor in every spoonful.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Keto Swap out starchy potatoes for lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower to thicken your soup. Use a high-quality bone broth for added nutrition and flavor.
Paleo Stick to fresh, whole ingredients. Avoid adding any legumes, dairy, or grains. A paleo-friendly version might involve a bone broth base, peas, onions, garlic, and herbs.
Gluten-Free Pea soup is typically gluten-free as long as your broth or stock contains no gluten ingredients. Check labels to be sure, and use gluten-free bread for any croutons.
Whole30 For a Whole30-compliant pea soup, ensure your broth is free of sugar, MSG, or sulfites. Skip the dairy and thicken your soup with compliant ingredients like cauliflower or potatoes.

Recipe Directions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped shallots to the saucepan and cook until they become translucent and fragrant.
Pour in the water and bring it to a boil.
Add the fresh-shelled green peas to the boiling water and cook them until tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Once the peas are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the mixture until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if desired.
Return the pureed mixture to the saucepan and place it on the stove over low heat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Add the whipping cream to the saucepan and stir it in. This step is optional but adds a creamy richness to the soup.
Heat the soup gently until it is warmed, making sure not to bring it to a boil.
Once heated, remove the soup from the stove and serve hot.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Ham and Pea Soup: This is a classic combo. Adding diced ham lends a smoky flavor and makes the soup heartier.
Spicy Pea Soup: Add a juicy jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Herb Pea Soup: Experiment with herbs like rosemary, mint, or tarragon for a unique flavor profile.

Add-Ons

Legumes: For an extra protein boost, add cooked lentils or chickpeas.
Grains: To make it a complete meal, consider adding cooked barley, rice, or quinoa.
Vegetables: Roasted carrots or bell peppers can add color, flavor, and extra nutrients.

Toppings

Croutons: Homemade croutons add a satisfying crunch to contrast the smooth soup.
Seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top for a bit of crunch and additional protein.
Cheese: A grated Parmesan, cheddar, or crumbled feta can elevate the soup’s flavor.
Cream Or Yogurt: A swirl of cream or dollop of yogurt looks beautiful and adds a lovely creamy tang.
Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint can brighten the soup.
Bacon: Crispy bacon bits can provide a salty, smoky contrast to sweet peas.

Can I Make The Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

Start by sautéing your shallots in a pan over medium heat until they become soft and translucent.
Transfer the shallots to your slow cooker, add the peas and water, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the peas are tender.
Blend the soup in batches and return it to the slow cooker. If you add cream, stir it in now and let the soup warm for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Instant Pot

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and melt your butter. Add the shallots and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the peas and water, season with salt and pepper, then secure the lid.
Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is done, allow for a natural pressure release.
Carefully blend the soup in batches, return it to the Instant Pot, and stir in the cream. Let it warm on the keep-warm setting for a few minutes before serving.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth: This is a convenient option, especially if you’re short on time or want to make the soup quickly. It’s important to choose a high-quality, low-sodium broth.
Low-sodium options give you better control over the saltiness of your soup. Be sure to taste the broth first—if you enjoy the plain flavor, you’ll likely enjoy it in your soup.
Homemade Broth: Making your broth can be more time-consuming, but it allows you to control the flavor profile completely.
For example, you can use leftover vegetable scraps or bones from a roast. Homemade broth often has a fresher, more robust flavor than store-bought versions. Plus, it’s a great way to minimize food waste and can be more cost-effective.

How To Serve?

Temperature: Fresh Pea Soup is best served hot. Before serving, gently reheat the soup if it has cooled down.
Bowl Selection: Consider using wide, shallow bowls. This allows the soup to cool to the eating temperature more quickly and provides a nice presentation.
Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread or a refreshing salad. These accompaniments can complement the rich flavors of the soup and make for a more complete meal.
Garnishing: A dollop of crème fraîche, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs or seeds (such as chives, parsley, or sunflower seeds) can enhance both the visual appeal and flavor profile of the soup.
Pair the soup with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity rosé. These wines can cut through the soup’s creaminess and balance the flavors.

Perfect Side Dishes

Crusty Bread: A classic pairing with soup, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough is great for dipping and helps to add a satisfying texture contrast.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A grilled cheese sandwich could be a comforting and filling side, especially if the soup is being served as a main course.
Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the warmth and richness of the soup, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash can add a savory and hearty component that complements the soup well.
Quiche Or Savory Tart: A slice of quiche or a savory tart can make the meal more substantial while adding different flavors and textures.
Breadsticks Or Flatbread: If you prefer something less hefty than a full piece of bread, breadsticks or a flatbread can be a good alternative.

Storage And Make Ahead

Storage: Store fresh pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: To make ahead, prepare the soup as directed but do not add any dairy (like cream or milk). Cool the soup completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently and stir in the dairy just before serving.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon for added flavor and texture.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Cold Pea Soup: Serve the leftover soup chilled as a refreshing cold soup. You can garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Pea Dip: Blend the leftover soup until smooth and use it as a dip for fresh vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks. It can be a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional dips.
Pea Sauce: Use the soup as a base for a sauce. Heat it gently in a saucepan and adjust the consistency by adding water or broth if needed. You can toss it with cooked pasta, rice, or grains for a quick and flavorful meal.
Pea Puree: Use the leftover soup as a puree to accompany roasted meats or grilled vegetables. It can add a vibrant burst of flavor and color to your dishes.
Freezing for Later: If you have a significant amount of leftover soup, consider freezing it in individual portions for later use. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

TIPS

Choose the Right Peas: Opt for fresh, sweet peas if available. Frozen peas are a good alternative and can be just as tasty.
Enhance the Flavor: Add depth to your soup by sautéing onions and garlic in butter or olive oil before adding the peas and broth.
Herb Infusion: Infuse the soup with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or tarragon. Simply add them to the pot while the soup simmers, then remove before blending.
Texture Variation: For a more interesting texture, reserve some peas before blending and add them back into the soup after blending.
Creamy Finish: Finish the soup with a touch of cream or Greek yogurt for added richness and creaminess.
Garnish Creatively: Top your soup with crème fraîche, a drizzle of olive oil, crispy pancetta, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.