Imagine a soup so brilliantly green, so refreshingly delicate, that it captures the essence of spring in every spoonful. Our Sweet Pea and Spinach Soup with Fresh Mint isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to a garden of pure, fresh flavors. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or someone looking to impress dinner guests with a stunning, nutrient-packed dish, this recipe promises to be your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peas
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the fresh peas and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they are tender but still bright green.
- Add the fresh spinach leaves to the pot and stir, allowing them to wilt completely into the broth, which should take approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes to prevent potential splattering during blending.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, blending until completely smooth.
- Chop the fresh mint leaves and stir them into the soup, reserving a few for garnish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with the remaining fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to this soup's success is using fresh, high-quality peas and spinach. If fresh isn't available, frozen can work, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Don't Overcook the Vegetables: Keep your peas bright green by avoiding prolonged cooking. They should be tender but still retain their vibrant color.
- Blending Technique: When puréeing, start at a low speed and gradually increase to prevent splattering. If using a standard blender, blend in small batches and remove the center lid cap to allow steam to escape.
- Mint Matters: Add mint just before serving to preserve its fresh, aromatic qualities. Reserve a few leaves for a beautiful garnish.
- Temperature Control: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If reheating, do so gently to prevent separating.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or some toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
