Cream Of Peas Soup Recipe

There’s something uniquely comforting about a bowl of soup-whether it’s a chilly winter evening, a rainy afternoon, or just a time when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Today, I want to talk about a soup that may not be on everyone’s radar but is absolutely worthy of your attention: Cream of Peas Soup.

Now, I get it. Peas aren’t always the most exciting vegetable on the plate. But in this creamy, velvety soup, they become the star of the show. Sweet, earthy, and packed with nutrients, peas lend themselves perfectly to being pureed into a smooth, rich soup. Add a little cream, some herbs, and a hint of seasoning, and you’ve got a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and easy to whip up.

This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and more refined dinner occasions. It’s light yet filling, hearty yet fresh, and best of all, it’s a great way to enjoy peas in a way that feels a little more gourmet.

Let’s dive into the details of making this soup, from ingredients to tips and variations, so you can enjoy a bowl of this creamy goodness at home.

A deliciously smooth and rich soup that turns simple peas into an extraordinary dish. Cream of Peas Soup is perfect for when you’re craving something comforting yet light. This recipe combines fresh or frozen peas, a creamy base, and a touch of seasoning for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed

To make this rich, velvety soup, here’s everything you’ll need:

Frozen or Fresh Green Peas: 4 cups

(Fresh peas are amazing when in season, but frozen peas are just as good and more convenient, especially if you’re making this in the off-season.)
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 3 cups

(You can also use low-sodium broth if you prefer a lighter flavor. This will serve as the base of your soup and help bring out the peas’ natural sweetness.)
Heavy Cream: 1 cup

(Heavy cream is key to making the soup luxuriously creamy. You can swap it with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option, though the texture might change slightly.)
Butter: 2 tablespoons

(Butter adds richness and flavor. You can also use olive oil if you’re aiming for a dairy-free alternative.)
Onion: 1 small, finely chopped

(Onions provide a savory foundation. They should be soft and translucent to bring out their natural sweetness.)
Garlic Cloves: 2, minced

(A bit of garlic enhances the overall depth of flavor without overpowering the delicate peas.)
Salt & Pepper: To taste

(This will depend on your personal preference and the saltiness of your broth, but don’t forget to adjust the seasoning at the end for the best result!)
Fresh Herbs (optional): A few sprigs of parsley or thyme for garnish

(This adds a pop of freshness to the soup’s rich, creamy texture.)

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s break down the step-by-step process to make this creamy pea soup:

Sauté The Aromatics

Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it melts, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions turn soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The smell should be fragrant and mouthwatering!
Cook The Peas

Add your peas (fresh or frozen) to the pot and stir everything together. Let them cook for a minute or so, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors from the butter and onions.
Add The Broth

Pour in your broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the peas to cook through and soften completely. You can adjust the heat to ensure it’s not boiling too aggressively.
Puree The Soup

Once the peas are tender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until it’s smooth and velvety. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be careful not to burn yourself!
Stir In The Cream

Once the soup is pureed to a creamy consistency, pour in the heavy cream. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Bring it back to a gentle simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Season To Taste

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want it a bit more savory, add more salt, or if you’re looking for a little extra flavor, a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper works wonders.
Serve And Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. A drizzle of extra cream or a few crumbles of crispy bacon can also take this soup to the next level.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive deeper into some of the key ingredients:

Peas

Peas are naturally sweet, which makes them perfect for a creamy soup. They’re also packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. The vibrant green color of peas comes from chlorophyll, a potent antioxidant. Not only are peas great for your body, but their delicate flavor shines when blended into a creamy soup base.
Cream

Heavy cream is what turns this soup from good to great. It provides the luxurious richness that makes every spoonful feel indulgent. While it’s easy to swap for lighter options, like milk or half-and-half, you’ll lose some of that velvety texture and richness that makes this soup so comforting.
Broth

The broth is the canvas of your soup, bringing depth to the flavor profile. You can opt for vegetable broth for a lighter, plant-based dish, or chicken broth for a more robust flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade broth can be a game changer.
Butter

Adding butter not only improves the flavor of the soup but helps in creating that rich, silky texture. If you want to keep it dairy-free, olive oil is a great alternative, though the flavor will be a bit different.

Expert Tips

To make sure you get the best possible cream of peas soup, here are some expert tips that could elevate your cooking:

Use Fresh Peas When In Season

If you can get your hands on fresh, in-season peas, use them! They bring a sweetness that frozen peas can’t quite match, and the texture will be slightly more tender.
Don’t Skip The Sautéing Step

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the peas brings out their sweetness and flavor. This small step can make a big difference in the overall depth of your soup.
Blend Thoroughly For Smoothness

A well-blended soup is the key to a silky-smooth texture. If you’re not using an immersion blender, make sure to blend in small batches and return the soup to the pot afterward.
Adjust Consistency

If the soup is too thick after blending, add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Likewise, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up.
Fresh Herbs Make A Big Difference

Fresh parsley, thyme, or mint can brighten up the dish and add a layer of complexity. Even a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can help balance the creamy richness.

Recipe Variations

You can switch up this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

Add Crispy Bacon

If you’re a bacon fan, crumble some crispy bacon on top for added crunch and a savory contrast to the creamy texture.
Vegan Cream Of Peas Soup

Skip the butter and heavy cream, using coconut milk or almond milk instead. This gives the soup a different flavor profile, but still provides that rich creaminess.
Pea And Potato Soup

For a heartier version, add a couple of peeled and diced potatoes to the broth with the peas. The potatoes will make the soup thicker and even more filling.
Spicy Peas Soup

If you want a little kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper when you sauté the onions and garlic. This adds a spicy depth that complements the sweetness of the peas.

Final Words

Cream of Peas Soup is an unsung hero in the world of soups. It’s simple, nourishing, and rich with flavor, yet so easy to make. The ingredients are affordable, and the cooking process doesn’t take long-making it an ideal choice for busy cooks or anyone looking to create something comforting in under an hour.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a starter for a fancy dinner, or a meal to cozy up with on a chilly evening, this soup won’t disappoint. Plus, the flexibility in ingredients and the ability to customize it to your taste makes it a go-to recipe for all seasons.

Cream Of Peas Soup Recipe