Fresh Spring Pea Soup
A bright, fresh spring pea soup with tender peas and delicate chives, perfect for light lunches or starter courses in warm weather.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pot or brown the diced salt pork if using.
- Saute the diced potato for a couple of minutes.
- Add chicken broth and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.
- Bring to a boil and add the green peas.
- As soon as peas are tender, stir in chopped chives and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the soup after adding the peas. If fresh peas are not available, frozen peas work well as a substitute. You can also add a splash of cream or yogurt for richness. Consider sautéing some leeks along with the potato for added flavor. For a heartier dish, serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fresh spring pea soup with a sprinkle of extra chives or scallions on top for garnish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. Consider serving it alongside a protein dish like Company Chicken Bake for a complete meal. This soup is also delightful served chilled during warmer months.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a little water or broth to reach the desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Spring Pea Soup contains roughly 267 calories, with 15g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (444% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (228% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1195mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will maintain the flavor while keeping the dish plant-based. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor with herbs like thyme or dill.
How can I make this soup creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, blend the soup after cooking the peas until smooth. You can also stir in some heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. This adds richness and a velvety finish to the dish.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
While you can freeze the soup, fresh peas may lose some texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider undercooking the peas slightly before freezing. When ready to eat, reheat and add fresh peas to enhance flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).