Pea cream soup with mint and lemon

Here’s a refreshing recipe for Pea Cream Soup with Mint and Lemon. This vibrant soup is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make, perfect for a light lunch or a starter.

Pea Cream Soup with Mint and Lemon

Ingredients:

• For the Soup:
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen green peas
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add Peas and Broth:

   • Stir in the green peas and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the peas are tender.

3. Blend the Soup:

   • Add the fresh mint leaves and the lemon juice to the pot. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.

4. Add Cream and Seasoning:

   • Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and season the soup with salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using). Heat the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh mint leaves. You can also drizzle a bit of cream on top for presentation.

6. Enjoy:

   • Serve the soup warm or at room temperature, accompanied by crusty bread or a light salad.

Tips:

• Storage: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Variations: You can add other herbs like basil or chives for different flavors. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use coconut milk and vegetable broth.

This Pea Cream Soup with Mint and Lemon is light, refreshing, and perfect for showcasing the sweet flavor of peas. Enjoy your cooking!