Bursting with vibrant color and the freshest flavors, this Summer Pea Soup Recipe is my seasonal go-to for both quick lunches and elegant starters. A creamy blend of sweet peas, a hint of mint, and a swirl of tangy crème fraîche—every spoonful tastes like springtime in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet & Vibrant: This soup captures the garden-fresh sweetness of peas and practically glows with color.
- So Quick & Easy: Made with just a handful of simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy days!
- Light or Luxurious: Serve it chilled for a refreshing appetizer or warm and creamy for coziness in a bowl.
- Totally Customizable: The Summer Pea Soup Recipe welcomes a twist—use your favorite herbs, swap the dairy, or play with toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Summer Pea Soup Recipe is how effortlessly a few basic ingredients come together to create something truly delightful. Each one plays a starring role—the peas bring natural sweetness, the mint lifts everything with freshness, and just a touch of butter and crème fraîche adds that dreamy silkiness.
- ½ onion (small/medium): Adds gentle depth and a savoriness that complements the peas. Dice it nice and small for even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Gives a luxurious base, helping mellow the onion and carrying the soup’s flavors.
- 2½ cups peas (fresh or frozen): These are the essence of the soup—use the freshest peas you can find, but frozen peas work wonderfully too.
- 1½ cups chicken or vegetable stock: Choose a good-quality stock for flavor; vegetable stock keeps the soup completely vegetarian.
- 2 tablespoons mint (roughly chopped): Mint adds incredible fragrance and lifts the whole bowl—don’t skip it if you can!
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Just a pinch or two ensures every ingredient shines.
- 1 tablespoon crème fraîche (to serve): This adds a tangy, creamy touch and makes each bowl extra special.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative—one of my favorite things about this Summer Pea Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak! Adjust for what’s in season, your favorite flavors, or to make it even more nourishing for your needs.
- Vegan Version: Swap butter for olive oil and skip the crème fraîche, or use a vegan sour cream or cashew cream for the swirl.
- Herb Swap: Out of mint? Fresh basil, tarragon, or dill can each offer their own magical twist.
- Thicker Soup: Stir in a peeled diced potato when cooking the peas for a heartier bowl with added creaminess.
- Extra Protein: Top with crispy prosciutto, sautéed shrimp, or a handful of toasted seeds for texture and substance.
How to Make Summer Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Begin by dicing the onion as finely as you can—this way, it melts seamlessly into the soup. Melt the butter over medium heat in your favorite soup pot, then add the onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes. Aim for soft and translucent, not browned; you want gentle sweetness, not deep caramelization.
Step 2: Add Peas and Stock
Once that onion smells irresistible, stir in your peas and give everything a good toss in the buttery base. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, cover the pot, and bring to a gentle simmer. Fresh peas will need about 5–7 minutes, while frozen just need a quick 2-minute heat—you want them tender and brilliantly green, never dull.
Step 3: Blend and Season
Take the pot off the heat and stir in the chopped mint right away—the residual warmth will release its fragrance. Now, blend the mixture until silky-smooth; a stick blender is perfect for this, or carefully use a traditional blender in batches. Taste, then season with salt and pepper until every spoonful pops.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
This Summer Pea Soup Recipe is equally delicious warm or chilled. For hot soup, ladle straight into bowls; for cold, let it cool and refrigerate for a few hours. Either way, top each bowl with a swirled dollop of crème fraîche and an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant finish.
Pro Tips for Making Summer Pea Soup Recipe
- Keep it Vibrant: Don’t overcook the peas—just until tender keeps their gorgeous green and delicate flavor intact.
- Mint Timing: Always add the mint right at the end for the freshest aroma and no bitterness.
- Creamy Upgrade: For a richer soup, blend in a splash of cream or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Strain for Elegance: If you want ultra-silky soup, pour through a fine mesh sieve before serving—especially lovely for fancy occasions.
How to Serve Summer Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right finishing touches take this Summer Pea Soup Recipe from simple to show-stopping! A swirl of crème fraîche is classic, but you can also top with a handful of extra peas, a sprinkle of chopped mint, a drizzle of good olive oil, or crispy prosciutto for a salty crunch. Edible flowers or microgreens also look stunning for spring gatherings.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think a rustic sourdough or buttery brioche. For a complete meal, serve with herby chicken salad, smoked salmon toast, or a gorgeous platter of cheese and seasonal veggies. If you’re in the mood for picnic vibes, chilled pea soup and finger sandwiches are a dream duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Summer Pea Soup Recipe in vintage teacups for afternoon parties, or pour into shot glasses for cocktail-hour “soup shooters.” For a festive starter, chill and ladle into martini glasses with a floating sliver of mint. The color is so lively—you truly can let your presentation imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Summer Pea Soup Recipe will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving—its freshness and color last surprisingly well!
Freezing
This soup is freezer-friendly too! Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and note that you may want to blitz it again or whisk well before serving to restore the smooth texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium-low, stirring occasionally—avoid boiling so the color and flavor stay bright. If enjoying chilled, just pour straight from the fridge and add your garnishes; it’s fabulous both ways!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen peas for this Summer Pea Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are picked and frozen at peak ripeness, so they’re often just as sweet and vibrant as fresh. There’s no need to thaw first—just add them to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes until tender.
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What if I don’t have crème fraîche?
If you can’t find crème fraîche, try sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or even a splash of cream for garnish. Each brings a lovely tang and creaminess, so use what you love or have on hand.
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How do I serve this soup chilled?
To serve the Summer Pea Soup Recipe cold, simply let the blended soup come to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least 2 hours. It’s wonderfully refreshing served cold on warm days, especially with a swirl of crème fraîche and fresh mint.
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Can I make this soup ahead of time for entertaining?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving and wait to add crème fraîche and garnishes until right before guests arrive for the prettiest presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an easy, soul-brightening dish, this Summer Pea Soup Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. I hope you give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every spoonful of pure green goodness—let me know how you serve yours!
Print
Summer Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Summer Pea Soup that is perfect for warm weather. This soup is easy to make and bursting with the flavors of fresh peas and mint.
Ingredients
Onion:
1/2 small/medium
Butter:
1 tablespoon
Peas:
2 1/2 cups (fresh or frozen, defrosted)
Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock:
1 1/2 cups, for vegetarian version
Mint:
2 tablespoons, roughly chopped
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Creme Fraiche:
1 tablespoon, approx, to serve
Instructions
- Dice the onion: Warm a pot/pan over medium heat, add the butter. Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add peas and stock: Stir peas into butter, then add stock. Simmer covered until peas are cooked (2-7 minutes).
- Blend: Remove from heat, add mint, then blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve warm or chilled, topped with a swirl of creme fraiche.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
