Creamy Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) fresh peas 2 cups (400g) fresh peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs, for garnish Fresh herbs, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 8g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the fresh peas to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
5. 5.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Place the pot back on the stove and heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
7. 7.
   Serve the Creamy Pea Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peas — If fresh peas are not available, you can use frozen peas as a substitute. Make sure to thaw them before cooking.
• Vegetable broth — Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
• Heavy cream — For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.

Tips & Tricks

• For a burst of freshness, squeeze a little lemon juice into the soup just before serving.
• Customize the soup by adding a handful of fresh mint leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• To make the soup even creamier, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic croutons for added texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Pea Soup in warm bowls, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, consider serving the soup in individual mini-pumpkins or small soup bowls. Add a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs.