Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Spring Soup: Creamy Pea and Mint Soup in 20 Minutes is a delightful dish that brings the essence of spring right into your kitchen! This vibrant soup not only offers a burst of flavor but also provides a comforting, creamy texture that makes it a perfect starter or light meal. Combining fresh peas with aromatic mint, this recipe comes together quickly and is ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special.
What Is Spring Soup: Creamy Pea and Mint Soup in 20 Minutes?
Spring Soup: Creamy Pea and Mint Soup is a refreshing dish packed with the sweet flavor of peas and the invigorating notes of mint. This soup shines with bright green color and is known for its smooth consistency, making it appealing both to the eyes and to the palate. With the added richness from cream and a hint of garlic, every spoonful is a delightful experience that encapsulates the essence of spring.
Why You’ll Love This
This soup is not only pleasing to the taste buds but also incredibly easy to make. You will love it for its quick preparation; under 20 minutes! It is versatile enough to be served hot or cold, making it suitable for any occasion. The freshness of the peas and mint lends a vibrant quality to the dish, evoking memories of spring gardens. It’s perfect for busy parents who need a nutritious meal in a pinch or for those who want to impress guests without the hassle of lengthy cooking times.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh peas: 4 cups, shelled. Fresh peas pack a sweet flavor that shines in this soup.
- Mint leaves: 1 cup, loosely packed. Fresh mint provides a refreshing taste that complements the sweetness of peas.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Adds depth and sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic enhances the soup’s flavor and aroma.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: 4 cups. This serves as the base for the soup, adding richness.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup. Adds a luxurious creaminess to the soup.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Salt and pepper: to taste. Essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Make
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by shelling the fresh peas, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. Ensuring that all your ingredients are prepped will make the cooking process smoother.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the foundational flavor of your soup.
- Add the broth and peas: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the fresh peas. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the peas become tender. This short cook time helps retain their vibrant color and sweet flavor.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat and, using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If using a standard blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it in batches. This step gives your soup a creamy texture that envelops your taste buds.
- Add cream and mint: After blending, return the pot to medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly chopped mint, allowing the flavors to meld for another 3-4 minutes. The cream not only enhances the soup’s richness but also adds a silky finish.
- Season and serve: Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with additional mint leaves if desired. Enjoy the vibrant, creamy delight of springtime with each spoonful!
Variations & Substitutions
Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Additionally, replace the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth for a depth of flavor. The coconut cream will add a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the peas.
Additions: Feel free to throw in other vegetables such as spinach or kale for an added nutritional punch. These can be added right before blending, allowing them to wilt just enough for a beautiful green color and enhanced nutrients.
Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño during the sautéing step. This will elevate the soup and add an intriguing layer of warmth to the dish.
Cheesy Appeal: Adding a handful of grated Parmesan cheese while blending will create a more savory and rich flavor. Garnish with fresh cheese on top for added taste and visual appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the peas. If peas are cooked for too long, they lose their bright green color and sweet flavor. **Always aim for just a few minutes** of cooking once the broth comes to a boil.
Another pitfall is forgetting to season the soup adequately as it cooks. **Lack of seasoning** can result in a bland flavor. Be sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally, enhancing the flavors gradually.
Lastly, not allowing the blended soup to fully come together after adding cream and mint can lead to a discordant taste. **Always give the flavors time to meld,** usually just a few minutes, to achieve a well-rounded dish.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
When storing leftover soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Make sure to use freezer-safe bags and squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When reheating, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might want to stir in a splash of cream to revive the texture if it thickens during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh? Yes, frozen peas can work well in this recipe. They are often flash-frozen at peak freshness, retaining their flavor and nutrients. Simply add them to the pot during the same step indicated for fresh peas but allow an additional minute or two of cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
Is this soup gluten-free? Absolutely! This soup is naturally gluten-free as the ingredients used, such as peas, mint, and broth, do not contain gluten. However, ensure the broth you choose is labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I serve with this soup? This creamy pea and mint soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, croutons, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it as a starter to accompany a more hearty main dish, providing a delightful balance.
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavors may even deepen as it sits. Simply reheat before serving. If you are planning to freeze it, be aware that the texture might change upon thawing.
Does this soup freeze well? Yes, this soup can be frozen. However, keep in mind that the cream may separate or change consistency slightly after freezing. To help mitigate this, try to blend in a bit more cream after reheating to restore the smooth texture.
Conclusion:
Spring Soup: Creamy Pea and Mint Soup in 20 Minutes is a fantastic accomplishment that adds color and flavor to any mealtime. With the easy preparation, delicious ingredients, and multiple variations, it stands out as a versatile dish for your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone who enjoys cooking for loved ones, this soup is bound to impress. Embrace the flavors of spring and dive into this creamy delight today!
