Spring Pea And Spinach Soup
Highlighted under: Home Healthy Meals Inspiration
I absolutely love making this Spring Pea And Spinach Soup during the warmer months when fresh ingredients are bursting with flavor. The vibrant green color always perks me up, and the combination of sweet peas and tender spinach creates a beautifully balanced dish. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. I often enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top to enhance its fresh flavors even more. This soup is not just nutritious; it’s a celebration of spring in a bowl!
When I first made this soup, I was pleasantly surprised by how each ingredient shone through, making it incredibly refreshing. The bright flavors of the peas and spinach come together beautifully, especially when pureed together. I love how the minimal cooking time keeps the nutrients intact, ensuring each bowl is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.
One of my favorite tips is to use homemade vegetable stock for an even richer depth of flavor. I often prepare a big batch of stock and keep it on hand in the freezer. It elevates this soup, making it a dish I’m always eager to serve to family and friends!
You Will Love This Recipe Because
- Vibrant flavors that celebrate fresh spring ingredients
- Quick and easy preparation for busy schedules
- Nutrient-rich and nourishing soup perfect for all ages
Perfecting Your Soup Texture
Achieving the perfect silky texture in this Spring Pea And Spinach Soup is essential for enhancing the overall experience. When blending, an immersion blender is highly recommended as it allows for a smoother consistency without the risk of scalding. If using a traditional blender, make sure to allow the soup to cool slightly, otherwise, it might splatter. Aim for a creamy texture without any chunks of peas, which should only take about 30 seconds to 1 minute of blending.
If you prefer a chunkier soup that retains some texture, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest unblended. This will give you a delightful contrast between creamy and whole peas. Additionally, feel free to adjust the blending time based on your desired consistency—blend longer for a velvety finish or briefly for more body.
Ingredient Substitutions
While fresh peas and spinach make this soup exceptional, there are good substitutions for those who may not have them on hand. Frozen peas are an excellent alternative—just make sure to add them directly to the pot without defrosting. This will save time and still provide great flavor and sweetness. For spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard; just chop them finely as they can have a tougher texture when cooked.
Consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to elevate the flavor profile for a refreshing twist, particularly if you want to highlight the spring theme. Just a handful of chopped herbs stirred in right before serving can add brightness and enhance the overall taste. If you prefer a creamy base, a splash of coconut milk or dairy alternative can also be stirred in after blending for added richness.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This Spring Pea And Spinach Soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a pot on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it thickens too much when chilled. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 2 months—just be sure to leave some room in the containers for expansion.
Serving this soup is versatile; it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a more substantial meal. I often top it with dollops of Greek yogurt or crumbled feta for added creaminess and flavor contrast. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes to give it an added kick. This not only beautifies the bowl but also enhances the dining experience.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Spring Pea And Spinach Soup:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Make sure everything is prepped before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious soup:
Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook the peas
Add the peas to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are tender.
Add the spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for about 2 minutes. Remove the pot from heat.
Blend the soup
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
Season and serve
Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy your freshly made soup!
Pro Tips
- For added texture, consider topping your soup with some crispy croutons or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
The Role of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in this Spring Pea And Spinach Soup adds its own unique flavor and nutritional benefit. The sweet peas provide natural sweetness and vibrant color, while Spinach contributes essential vitamins like A, C, and K. Together, they create a harmonious mix that not only delights the palate but also nourishes the body. The acidity from the lemon juice helps brighten the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the peas beautifully.
Olive oil plays a graceful role in this recipe as not just a cooking medium but also as a flavor enhancer. Choosing high-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the overall taste. You want to heat it gently to avoid burning, allowing it to infuse the aromatics—onion and garlic—with a rich flavor profile that serves as the foundation of your soup.
Tips for Enhancing Flavors
To enhance the flavor depth of your Spring Pea And Spinach Soup, consider incorporating additional spices such as cumin or coriander. A pinch of these spices can add warmth and complexity without overriding the freshness of the peas and spinach. I like to sprinkle a little bit just before adding the vegetable broth for an aromatic kick that melds perfectly with the gentle sweetness of the soup.
Another fantastic way to boost flavor is by finishing the soup with a splash of high-quality vinegar or a drizzle of specialty oils like truffle or chili oil. These not only add a zing but also create a beautifully complex layer of flavors. Just be cautious; a little goes a long way, so start with small amounts and adjust according to personal taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen peas?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work wonderfully in this recipe and save time on prep.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a light sandwich.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
→ Is this soup vegan?
Yes, as long as your vegetable broth is vegan, this soup is completely plant-based!
Spring Pea And Spinach Soup
I absolutely love making this Spring Pea And Spinach Soup during the warmer months when fresh ingredients are bursting with flavor. The vibrant green color always perks me up, and the combination of sweet peas and tender spinach creates a beautifully balanced dish. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. I often enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top to enhance its fresh flavors even more. This soup is not just nutritious; it’s a celebration of spring in a bowl!
Created by: Linnea Porter
Recipe Type: Home Healthy Meals Inspiration
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the peas to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are tender.
Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for about 2 minutes. Remove the pot from heat.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil.
Extra Tips
- For added texture, consider topping your soup with some crispy croutons or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 415mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 10g