This Fresh Pea Soup is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It’s light, vibrant, and irresistibly smooth, bursting with the naturally sweet, grassy flavor of fresh peas. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe to have on hand when you want something comforting, nourishing, and fast. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer starter or a cozy bowl for spring evenings, this soup delivers on every level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick to Make: From prep to table in 30 minutes or less. It doesn’t get easier than this for a weeknight meal.
Fresh and Flavorful: The sweet taste of peas really shines here. With just a few ingredients, every bite is pure and satisfying.
Healthy and Nourishing: Peas are packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making this soup both wholesome and delicious.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: This soup proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh or Frozen Peas: The heart of the soup. Use the freshest peas you can find in season, or frozen peas work beautifully year-round.
Yellow Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
Garlic: Just a clove or two to enhance the overall aroma and flavor.
Vegetable Broth: Keeps the soup light and vegetarian while enhancing the pea flavor. Chicken broth works if you prefer a heartier taste.
Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and add richness. Go with olive oil for a lighter version or butter for extra comfort.
Fresh Mint or Basil (optional): A little goes a long way to brighten up the flavor and add a refreshing herbal note.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.
Lemon Juice: A splash at the end balances the sweetness and brings out the freshness.
Cream or Yogurt (optional): For an extra velvety texture and touch of indulgence.

Variations

Add Heat: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a bit of fresh green chili for a little kick.
Make It Creamy: Blend in a spoonful of crème fraîche or a splash of coconut milk for a luxurious twist.
Boost the Greens: Add a handful of baby spinach or watercress with the peas for extra nutrition and color.
Add Protein: Top with crispy pancetta, a poached egg, or even grilled shrimp for a more filling meal.
Serve Cold: Chill the soup and serve it as a refreshing appetizer on warm days—like a green gazpacho.

How to Make Fresh Pea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Peas

Add the peas to the pot along with the broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, just until the peas are tender and bright green.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a blender—just be sure to vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir in fresh herbs like mint or basil, season with salt and pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up. If using cream or yogurt, stir it in now for added richness.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve warm or chilled, with optional toppings like a swirl of cream, a drizzle of olive oil, or crispy croutons.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Peas: Just a few minutes of simmering is enough. Overcooking will dull the color and flavor.
Use a High-Powered Blender: For the smoothest texture, especially if you like a perfectly velvety finish.
Fresh Herbs at the End: Add mint or basil right before blending so their bright flavor doesn’t get lost.
Lemon Is Key: That final splash of lemon juice makes all the difference. It wakes up the whole dish.

How to Serve

This soup is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving:

###As a Starter:
Serve in small bowls or teacups with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a mint leaf for a chic appetizer.

###With Bread:
Pair with crusty sourdough, a warm baguette, or cheesy garlic bread for dipping and soaking up every drop.

###Make It a Meal:
Add a simple green salad and a protein topping to turn it into a light but satisfying dinner.

###Chilled in Summer:
Serve it cold with a swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of lemon zest—perfect for garden parties or hot weather meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving room at the top, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the color and freshness. If reheating from frozen, thaw first and then warm slowly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are picked and frozen at their peak, so they’re a fantastic substitute. Just make sure to thaw them slightly or simmer a minute longer.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
You can use chicken broth or even water in a pinch—just adjust the salt accordingly. Broth adds depth, but the peas are flavorful enough on their own.

How do I make this soup vegan?
Skip the butter and any dairy add-ins. Use olive oil and finish with coconut milk or cashew cream for that creamy texture.

Can I make it ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, and it actually tastes even better the next day. Just blend and store it in the fridge, then reheat gently or serve chilled depending on your menu.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Pea Soup is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly delicious. It’s fresh, fast, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner starters. Give it a try and see how a humble bag of peas can turn into something spectacular.

Fresh Pea Soup Recipe