Herbed Green Pea Soup
A vibrant and fresh herbed green pea soup, bursting with bright flavors from scallions, tarragon, and thyme. Perfect for a light lunch or starter, it offers a creamy texture with a hint of nutmeg and black pepper, suitable for vegetarians and those seeking a healthy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a soup pot, saute the chopped scallions in vegetable oil for 1 minute.
- Add the fresh thyme and tarragon; saute for another minute.
- Stir in the green peas, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and hot water.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then boil for 2 minutes until the peas are tender but still bright green.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove about 1 cup of the peas and set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, puree the remaining soup.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the milk and reserved peas.
- Gently reheat or chill for about 1 1/2 hours.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and add croutons if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using fresh peas when in season. You can substitute tarragon with dill if preferred. If you want a creamier texture, a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk can enhance the soup. To add a hint of sweetness, try incorporating a small diced potato while cooking the peas. This herbed green pea soup pairs beautifully with Breadsticks(Kid'S Corner) for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup warm, garnished with additional chopped scallions and croutons for crunch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside French Custard Toast as a delightful contrast to the flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to achieve your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Green Pea Soup contains roughly 658 calories, with 25g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% 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 use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used instead of frozen. If using fresh peas, you’ll need about 1 pound. The cooking time may be slightly less; boil until the peas are tender and bright green, about 2 minutes.
How can I make the soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply omit any dairy products like milk and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking. The soup will still be flavorful thanks to the herbs and spices.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider blending in cooked lentils or adding a dollop of Greek yogurt as a garnish. These additions will complement the soup's flavors while boosting its nutritional value.
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).