Description
This Fresh Pea & Mint Soup with Crème Fraîche is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for spring and summer. The combination of sweet peas and fragrant mint creates a light yet flavorful soup, enriched with creamy crème fraîche for a velvety finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes a quick and elegant starter or a light meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Finish
- ½ cup crème fraîche (plus extra for serving)
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This step builds the soup’s foundational flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant but not browned, to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Cook Peas: Add the peas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the peas are tender and cooked through.
- Add Mint: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh mint leaves. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to preserve the bright flavor of the mint.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth directly in the pot, or transfer in batches to a blender. The result is a silky, vibrant green soup.
- Finish with Crème Fraîche: Return the pureed soup to the pot if needed and stir in half a cup of crème fraîche for creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reheat gently without boiling to avoid curdling the crème fraîche.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, adding a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top for a bright, refreshing finish.
Notes
- Using fresh peas will give the best flavor, but frozen peas work well and are convenient year-round.
- Adjust the amount of fresh mint to your preference, but avoid over-blending mint as it can turn bitter.
- Crème fraîche adds a tangy richness; for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt but add it off heat to prevent curdling.
- This soup can be served warm or chilled for a refreshing summer starter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
