This Spring Pea Soup is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors, perfect for when the weather starts warming up. It's a simple yet sophisticated dish that's great for showcasing seasonal produce. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it's a refreshing addition to any meal.
Olive oil starts things off by adding a subtle richness and helping to sauté the aromatics. Onion and garlic form the flavorful base, adding depth and a hint of sweetness. The star of the show, of course, is the fresh green peas, which bring a burst of natural sweetness and bright color. Vegetable broth ties everything together, creating a savory backdrop for the peas. Fresh mint leaves are the secret weapon here, adding a unique freshness that elevates the soup. Finally, heavy cream is stirred in for that luscious, creamy finish, balancing the flavors beautifully.
This soup is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a crusty baguette or a slice of artisanal bread. For a complete meal, pair it with a light salad of mixed greens, dressed simply with lemon and olive oil.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them together until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. The aroma will be your cue that it's ready for the next step.
Add in the fresh green peas and pour over the vegetable broth. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is enough time for the peas to become tender while retaining their vibrant color.
Once your peas are tender, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh mint leaves. Let the mixture cool slightly; this helps when blending.
Now it's time to puree. If you have an immersion blender, use it directly in the pot until the soup is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids!
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup has cooled too much during blending, gently reheat it over low heat before serving.