There is something about a bowl of warm soup that instantly soothes the body and the mind. Green pea soup brings together freshness and comfort in one simple recipe. Made with sweet green peas, onions and mild seasoning, this soup has a vibrant green colour, smooth texture and naturally sweet flavour. It is light yet filling and can be served as a starter or even a full meal when paired with some warm bread or croutons.
Green peas are available almost year round in frozen form, but this soup really shines when made with fresh seasonal peas. They bring a delicate sweetness and soft texture that elevates the flavour of the dish. Whether you use fresh or frozen peas, the key to a good green pea soup is to not overcook them and to blend them well for a silky smooth finish.
This soup can be made entirely without cream and still turn out rich and velvety. If you want a dairy free or vegan version, it works perfectly with olive oil and vegetable stock. For those who prefer a richer version, a splash of cream or milk can be added. It is also a great way to sneak in more greens and fibre into your diet.
Step 1: Gather and prep the ingredients
You will need two cups of green peas fresh or frozen, one medium onion chopped, two cloves of garlic minced, one tablespoon of butter or olive oil and two to two and a half cups of vegetable or chicken stock. Keep a pinch of salt and black pepper ready for seasoning. If using fresh peas, shell them and rinse well. If using frozen peas, thaw them slightly before use.
Step 2: Sauté the base flavours
Heat the butter or oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium flame. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about three to four minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent. Do not let them brown as we want the soup to stay light in colour. The onion and garlic form the base flavour and balance the sweetness of the peas.
Step 3: Add the peas and cook briefly
Add the green peas to the pot and mix well. Sauté for another two minutes. Now pour in the stock and bring everything to a boil. Once it begins boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for five to six minutes. Avoid overcooking the peas as they can lose their colour and turn dull. The peas should remain bright green and just tender.
Step 4: Blend the soup until smooth
Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. You can also transfer it to a mixer jar and blend in batches. Once smooth, return it to the pot and reheat gently. If you want a thinner soup, add a little more stock. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve warm with toppings of choice
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. You can garnish it with a swirl of cream or yogurt, a few drops of olive oil, fresh herbs or toasted seeds. It goes well with toasted bread, garlic croutons or even grilled cheese sandwiches. For a touch of spice, you can add a pinch of red chilli flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Green pea soup is a beautiful combination of simplicity and flavour. Its natural sweetness, smooth texture and nourishing qualities make it a comforting dish for all seasons. Whether you enjoy it as a light starter or a main course with bread, this soup is sure to become a regular on your menu. Once you make it from scratch, you will realise how easy and delicious homemade soup can be.
