Pea and Mint Soup

Pea and Mint Soup

Pea and Mint Soup is a refreshing and vibrant dish, with the sweetness of peas paired with the freshness of mint.

This soup is light, yet satisfying, and makes for a perfect starter or a light lunch, especially in the spring and summer when peas are in season. It’s easy to prepare and can be made vegan, depending on your preference.

Here’s a simple recipe for Pea and Mint Soup:

Pea and Mint Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Frozen or fresh peas: 4 cups (about 500g)

Onion: 1 small, chopped

Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Potato: 1 medium, peeled and diced (for creaminess)

Vegetable or chicken stock: 4 cups

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Fresh mint leaves: 1/4 cup (more for garnish)

Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)

Salt and pepper: to taste

Heavy cream or coconut cream: 1/4 cup (optional, for a creamy texture)

Fresh parsley or mint: for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and peel and dice the potato. If using fresh peas, blanch them briefly in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, then drain.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Add the Potato and Stock:

Add the diced potato to the pot, then pour in the vegetable or chicken stock. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, until the potato is tender.

Add the Peas and Mint:

Add the peas and fresh mint leaves to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the peas are tender and bright green.

Blend the Soup:

Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until velvety and well combined.

Add Cream (Optional):

For a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. If you want a dairy-free version, you can skip this step or use a plant-based cream alternative.

Season the Soup:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or mint. Serve hot or chilled, depending on your preference, with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Tips:

For extra depth of flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a bit of vegetable miso paste when cooking the onions for a more savory base.

For a chunkier texture: Blend only half of the soup and leave some peas unblended for a bit of texture in the soup.

Vegan option: Use coconut cream or omit cream entirely for a lighter, vegan version of the soup.

Pea and Mint Soup is fresh, light, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet peas and mint makes it a perfect choice for warm weather or whenever you want something quick, healthy, and delicious.