Super Easy Pea and Mint Soup

Written by
Elaine Lemm
Elaine Lemm is a renowned British food writer, classically trained chef, teacher, and author with over 25 years of experience writing about British food and cooking.
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Elaine Lemm
Updated 10/26/19
Pea and mint soup with cracker
taniche / Getty Images
  • Total: 40 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 bowls (4 servings)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
349 Calories
13g Fat
43g Carbs
17g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 bowls (4 servings)
Amount per serving
Calories 349
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 24mg 8%
Sodium 407mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 43g 16%
Dietary Fiber 12g 42%
Protein 17g
Calcium 238mg 18%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

In the spring and summer soups need to be quick and easy, it is not the time for the heavier soups of the winter. Pea and mint soup is so easy; you will be delighted in its simplicity. Fresh summer peas (you can even use frozen), and garden mint is a match made in heaven; their combination in any recipe is delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (+ extra for serving)
  • 1 ounce/25 grams butter
  • 1 medium red onion (peeled and finely chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove (peeled and minced)
  • 5 cups/750 grams fresh peas (shelled or use frozen peas, divided)
  • 1 cup/75 grams mint leaves (roughly chopped)
  • 1 3/4 pints/1 liter vegetable stock (it is OK to use a stock cube, divided)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup/75 grams Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Gently heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan, add the chopped onion and cook over a gentle heat for 10 minutes or until the onion is soft but not brown. Stir continuously to make sure the onion does not burn. Add the garlic and cook for a further 3 minutes, again stirring. 

  3. Add 3/4 of the fresh or frozen peas, the chopped mint leaves, and 3/4 stock. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on a medium boil for 10 minutes. 

  4. Once cooked, blend the soup in a food processor, to create a thick puree. Return the puree to the pan, season with salt and pepper and add the remaining peas and stock. Cook for a further 5 minutes to ensure the newly added peas are cooked.

  5. If using grated Parmesan cheese, place a small mound in the center of a warmed soup bowl. Pour the warm soup around the cheese. Drizzle with a few drops of the extra-virgin olive oil. 

  6. Serve immediately with warm, crusty bread on the side. 

  7. Enjoy!

Tip

  • Serve the soup hot or cold, but never chilled, it does not suit the flavors. 

Recipe Variations

  • The soup recipe above is a classic combination but this does not mean you cannot ring the changes. Mint is the traditional herb to match with the peas, but thyme can also work well, but approach with caution and use sparingly, Thyme can be overpowering to the delicate flavor of the peas. 
  • A cheaper alternative to the Parmesan cheese and just as tasty is Grano Padano. Don't like the flavor of Parmesan then use a finely grated Emmenthal or Gruyere. 

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