Description
This creamy and comforting Cream of Pea Soup is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh or frozen peas. Sautéed onions and garlic create a flavorful base, while vegetable or chicken broth and milk add richness. Blended until smooth and garnished with fresh herbs and cream, this soup is perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Dairy
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (for richness)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh mint, parsley, or thyme (for garnish)
- A pinch of sugar (optional, if peas aren’t very sweet)
Instructions
- Sauté the onions: Melt butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their sweetness.
- Simmer the peas: Add the green peas and vegetable or chicken broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Blend until smooth: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup to a creamy texture, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree. Return the blended soup to the pot if needed.
- Add milk: Stir in the whole milk or half-and-half along with the heavy cream. Gently warm the soup over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure not to boil. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and add a pinch of sugar if the soup needs extra sweetness.
- Serve warm: Ladle the creamy pea soup into bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of heavy cream and fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or thyme, and optionally a few whole peas for texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use fresh peas in spring for the best flavor, but frozen peas work well year-round.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk and cream alternatives.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less broth and milk depending on your preference.
- The pinch of sugar is optional and helps balance the natural sweetness of the peas if needed.
- Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
