Oh my goodness, the color! This *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* is like sunshine in a bowl. Seriously, just looking at that vibrant green always makes me happy. And the smell? Fresh, herbal, and just… *clean*. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple, refreshing, and full of flavor – the perfect combo, right? I’d been making soup for years, always experimenting with different ingredients, different flavors. But, finding this particular recipe was a game-changer. It’s my go-to when I need something quick, delicious, and a little bit fancy too! I’m a big believer in fresh ingredients, and this soup really lets their natural flavors shine. This recipe has become a family favorite, and I know you’re going to love it just as much as we do!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

Okay, so why is this soup so amazing? Let me tell you:

It’s ready in a flash! Seriously, the whole thing comes together in under half an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s packed with fresh, healthy ingredients (hello, vitamins!).
That flavor! Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-refreshing with that bright pop of mint.
It’s vegetarian, making it a great option for everyone.
You can easily adjust it to your liking, add some extra veggies, or make it your own!

Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to make this super delicious *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup*. Don’t worry, the list is pretty short and sweet, just like the soup!

1 tbsp of good quality olive oil.
1 medium onion, **chopped**.
2 cloves of garlic, **minced**.
A whole 750g bag of frozen peas – yep, the ones from the freezer aisle work perfectly!
1.2 litres of your favorite vegetable stock.
A small bunch of fresh mint, with the leaves **picked**.
Salt and pepper, to your own taste. Season generously!
And finally, some optional *Crème fraîche* or plain yogurt to serve. Yum!

Equipment Needed to Make Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

You won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets to whip up this *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup*, I promise! Here’s what you’ll need:

A large saucepan (gotta fit all those peas in there!).
A blender, or even better, an immersion blender – makes it super easy!
Measuring spoons and cups, of course, for all the precise measuring.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Prepare Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

Okay, friends, let’s get cooking! This *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* is super easy, but here’s a little guide to make sure it comes out perfect every single time. Honestly, sometimes I make this with my eyes closed, it’s that simple!

First things first: Grab that large saucepan and pour in the olive oil. Get it going over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot, but not smoking – *careful, it splatters!*
Toss in the chopped onion. Cook it, stirring often, until it softens up. This usually takes about 5 minutes, give or take. You want them translucent, not browned.
Next, add your minced garlic. Cook this for just about a minute, until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma filling your kitchen. Don’t let it burn!
Now, the peas! Dump in the whole bag of frozen peas and pour in that vegetable stock. Give it a good stir.
Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down and let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes. This is just to make sure the peas are cooked through.
Take it off the heat and stir in most of the fresh mint leaves. Save a few for garnish!
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, then taste and adjust.
This is the fun part! Get out your blender, or your immersion blender, and blitz the soup until it’s completely smooth. Careful with hot liquids in a regular blender – let it cool slightly, or vent the lid!
Finally, serve it up! Swirl in some *crème fraîche* or yogurt if you fancy, sprinkle with those reserved mint leaves, and *voilà* – deliciousness!

Ingredient Notes and Potential Creamy Pea & Mint Soup Substitutions

Okay, let’s chat about the ingredients! For the olive oil, I usually go with a nice extra virgin olive oil – it just has the best flavor. But really, any good olive oil will do. As for the mint, fresh is absolutely key! Spearmint works really nicely, but honestly, even peppermint would be okay if that’s what you’ve got on hand. Just taste as you go! The *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* is pretty flexible, so don’t you worry.

Now, if you’re lucky enough to have fresh peas, YES! They’re amazing in this, of course. Just cook them a bit longer to make sure they’re tender. If I don’t have vegetable stock, chicken stock does a fab job too, it will change the flavor a little. And, if you’re not a fan of *crème fraîche* or yogurt — sour cream or even a dollop of coconut yogurt works just as well. Make it your own, friends!

Tips for Success: Making the Best Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

Listen, I’ve made a *lot* of *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* in my time, so I’ve picked up a few tricks. First off: to avoid a grainy texture, don’t overcook the peas! Simmering them for just five minutes is usually perfect. Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning. Taste, taste, taste! You can always add more salt and pepper, but you can’t take it away, right?

My top tip? For that ultimate creamy consistency, make sure to blend the soup *really* well. If you’re using a regular blender, be sure to let some steam escape! My grandma taught me that one. We’d always say, “Smooth as silk!” That’s how you know it’s perfect!

Variations on the Creamy Pea & Mint Soup Theme

Okay, so you love the basic *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get creative. The best thing about soup is that you can totally customize it to your heart’s content!

Want to bulk it up? Throw in some zucchini or spinach while it simmers, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens! Herb-wise, basil or chives would be a brilliant swap, if you don’t have mint. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick. You could also swirl in some pesto before serving, or even top it with a dollop of whipped feta for a bit of extra oomph. There are so many ways to make it your own! The possibilities are endless, really!

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

So, you’ve got this gorgeous bowl of *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* – now what to serve with it? Honestly, the options are pretty endless, but here are a few of my faves!

Crusty bread is always a winner for soaking up all that deliciousness! A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing. Or, if you want something lighter, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. And, a swirl of extra virgin olive oil on top never hurts! Delish!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch (smart!), or maybe you just have some leftovers after your lovely lunch. No problem! The *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* stores and reheats like a dream.

Just let the soup cool down completely, and then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay good in your fridge for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop, or in the microwave – whatever’s easiest!

Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

Just a little heads-up: the nutritional information here is just an estimate! It can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so take it with a grain of salt (pun intended!).

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pea & Mint Soup

Got questions about this *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup*? No problem, I got you covered! Here are some of the most common things people ask me when they try out the recipe:

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’ve got fresh peas, go for it! Just cook them a little longer, until they’re tender. You might need to add a touch more liquid, too, because fresh peas can absorb more stock. Adjust the cooking time according to the peas, and taste to make sure they’re perfect. Fresh peas really elevate the soup.

How can I make the Creamy Pea & Mint Soup thicker?

Easy peasy! If you like a thicker soup, there are a few things you can do. First, use less vegetable stock when you cook the soup. You could also add a cooked potato or a tablespoon or two of flour at the beginning and let it cook with the onions. Another idea is to stir in a little cornstarch slurry at the end – just mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, definitely! The *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to eat it and then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s great to have on hand for a quick lunch!

Ready to Try This Creamy Pea & Mint Soup?

Okay, friends, I’ve shared all my secrets! Now it’s your turn. Give this *Creamy Pea & Mint Soup* a whirl and let me know what you think in the comments below! I’d love to hear it. And hey, share it with your friends – let’s spread the soup love!