Looking for a delightful way to warm up your day? Dive into the vibrant flavors of our Pea and Fennel Soup, a creamy Italian classic that’s as nourishing as it is delicious! This soup is not just a feast for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, with its stunning green hue and aromatic scent. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a light lunch, this recipe is quick to prepare and will leave your taste buds dancing. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 bulb fennel, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the fennel bulb and onion. If using fresh peas, shell them; if using frozen, have them ready to use.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and fennel, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the fennel and onions to cook in the broth for about 10 minutes, which will help develop a deeper flavor.
- Add the peas to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the peas are tender but still bright green.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only partially.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
- If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with additional vegetable broth. If too thin, continue simmering to reduce.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally garnish with a few whole peas, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh fennel fronds before serving.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Make sure to finely chop the fennel and onion for a smooth texture. If you're using fresh peas, shell them just before cooking to retain their sweetness.
- Sautéing: Don’t rush the sautéing step! Allowing the onions and fennel to soften properly enhances the flavor base of your soup.
- Simmering: When you add the vegetable broth, let it simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for a rich taste.
- Blending: For a perfectly creamy soup, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the pot. If you prefer some texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference!
- Consistency: If your soup turns out too thick, simply stir in more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Garnishing: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with whole peas, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh fennel fronds for that restaurant-quality touch.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 133kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
