Spring Pea And Spinach Soup
Highlighted under: Clean Wellness Meals
I absolutely love making Spring Pea and Spinach Soup as the weather warms up. The vibrant green color brings a sense of freshness, and the combination of sweet peas and tender spinach creates a wonderfully light yet satisfying dish. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy lunch or dinner. I always serve it warm with a swirl of cream for added richness, and it never disappoints!
As the seasons change, I find my palate shifting towards lighter flavors – that’s when I discovered this delightful Spring Pea and Spinach Soup. The sweet peas add an underlying sweetness that beautifully contrasts the savory notes from the broth. I particularly love how quickly it comes together; it’s ready in just thirty minutes.
One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to use fresh spinach and peas whenever possible. The brightness of fresh ingredients really elevates this soup, making it taste as vibrant as it looks. I guarantee that every spoonful will bring the essence of springtime to your table!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright, fresh flavors that evoke the essence of spring
- Quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights
- Healthy and packed with nutrients, perfect for any diet
Embracing the Freshness of Spring
Spring Pea and Spinach Soup captures the essence of the season with its vibrant ingredients. The peas bring a natural sweetness, while the spinach adds a subtle earthiness. This combination not only celebrates springtime flavors but also ensures a nutritious soup packed with vitamins A, C, and K. The color of the soup should be a rich green, indicating the freshness of the greens. If you notice it looks dull, that may suggest overcooking; aim for a brief cooking time to maintain the vibrant hue.
A key aspect of this recipe is the balance of flavors. Fresh peas, when in season, offer a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the slightly bitter spinach. If fresh peas aren't available, frozen ones can be a great substitute, as they retain their sweetness and are picked at peak ripeness. Just be sure to adjust their cooking time; frozen peas generally require only about 5 to 7 minutes to become tender in the soup.
Texture Matters
The texture of your Spring Pea and Spinach Soup can greatly enhance the eating experience. When using an immersion blender, blend the soup to a smooth consistency, or leave some chunks for added texture according to your preference. If you choose to serve it chunky, consider blending just a portion of the soup, allowing some whole peas and bits of spinach to remain for a more rustic feel. Remember, this technique not only adds interest but also helps in creating a more satisfying mouthfeel.
To achieve the perfect creamy garnish, using high-quality cream is essential. The richness of the cream complements the soup’s freshness, creating a delightful contrast. For a lighter option, substitutions like coconut cream or a swirl of unsweetened yogurt can provide a good alternative without compromising flavor. Just ensure to add these ingredients just before serving, maintaining the cream's texture and preventing it from curdling.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful spring soup:
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peas (or frozen)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cream for garnish
Prepare these ingredients in advance to streamline your cooking experience.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious spring 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 soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Peas and Broth
Add the fresh or frozen peas to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the peas to become tender.
Blend in the Spinach
Once the peas are cooked, add the fresh spinach leaves. Let them wilt for a minute, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend just half of the soup.
Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of cream if desired.
Enjoy this delightful soup with a piece of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It enhances the freshness of the soup beautifully.
Storing and Reheating
Spring Pea and Spinach Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on medium heat, stirring often to preserve the soup’s texture. If the soup seems too thick after refrigerating, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating can bring it back to the desired consistency. Additionally, avoid boiling the soup when reheating; this can lead to a change in texture and flavor.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Place individual portions in airtight containers and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow the soup to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove. The key is to reintroduce heat slowly to avoid separating the cream if you’ve opted to use it. Be sure to stir well as it warms for a smooth result.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your Spring Pea and Spinach Soup can be personalized to elevate the meal further. Consider pairing it with fresh crusty bread or a light salad to create a balanced lunch or dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as mint or basil, can enhance the spring notes of the dish and add a refreshing complexity. Additionally, croutons made from leftover bread can give a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup texture.
For an elegant presentation, serve in warm bowls and drizzle a bit of cream artistically over the soup just before serving. This not only enhances flavor but also adds a visually appealing touch. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of zesty lemon or lime juice right before serving; this would brighten the flavors even more, making the soup feel fresh and lively.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen peas?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly and are just as nutritious. Just add them directly to the pot.
→ How long can I store this soup?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
→ What can I substitute for spinach?
You can use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute, but be sure to cook them down a bit longer until tender.
Spring Pea And Spinach Soup
I absolutely love making Spring Pea and Spinach Soup as the weather warms up. The vibrant green color brings a sense of freshness, and the combination of sweet peas and tender spinach creates a wonderfully light yet satisfying dish. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy lunch or dinner. I always serve it warm with a swirl of cream for added richness, and it never disappoints!
Created by: Ariana Brooks
Recipe Type: Clean Wellness Meals
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peas (or frozen)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cream for garnish
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 soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the fresh or frozen peas to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the peas to become tender.
Once the peas are cooked, add the fresh spinach leaves. Let them wilt for a minute, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend just half of the soup.
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of cream if desired.
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It enhances the freshness of the soup beautifully.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 9g