Spring Pea And Spinach Soup

Name: Spring Pea And Spinach Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh peas, shelled; 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Highlighted under: Wholesome Kitchen

I love making this Spring Pea and Spinach Soup when the weather warms up and fresh peas are in season. The vibrant color and flavors remind me of springtime in full bloom. It's incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and time in the kitchen. The soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect light meal or appetizer. Plus, it always impresses guests with its fresh taste and beautiful presentation.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-02-10T21:07:36.540Z

When I first made this Spring Pea and Spinach Soup, I was amazed at how fresh and vibrant it tasted. Combining sweet peas with the earthiness of spinach creates a lovely harmony of flavors that simply sings of spring. I discovered that using fresh peas instead of frozen ones adds a delightful sweetness that elevates the dish.

Another tip I learned is to blend the soup until completely smooth for a luxurious texture. I usually serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of good olive oil to enhance the flavors even more. It’s a sure way to brighten up any meal!

Why You'll Love This Soup
Bright and fresh flavors that evoke springtime
Creamy texture without heavy cream, perfect for a healthy diet
Quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal

Key Techniques for Perfection

To achieve a smooth and creamy texture without heavy cream, pay attention to how you blend the soup. Using an immersion blender allows you to control the consistency, blending until silky smooth. If you prefer a slightly chunky texture, blend for a shorter time or reserve a portion of the peas before blending and stir them back in afterwards.

Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil is crucial for developing the base flavor of this soup. Cook them until they are translucent; this usually takes about 5 minutes. Avoid browning them, as the flavor could turn bitter instead of sweet and aromatic.

Ingredient Insights

Fresh peas are the star of this soup, and their sweetness significantly elevates the dish. If fresh peas are out of season, frozen peas can be substituted without compromising flavor. Ensure they are thawed before adding to the pot to maintain even cooking.

Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and nutrients to your soup. For a more robust flavor, consider swapping some of the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly since tougher greens take longer to wilt.

Serving and Storing

This soup is versatile when it comes to garnishes. Top with toasted croutons for a delightful crunch or a swirl of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. For added texture, sprinkle with sunflower seeds or hemp seeds that complement the fresh flavors beautifully.

If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 cups fresh peas, shelled
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Optional toppings: Croutons, a drizzle of cream, or fresh herbs.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Peas

Add the fresh peas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.

Season and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Serve hot, garnished with croutons or a drizzle of cream.

Enjoy your vibrant soup as a light lunch or a starter dish!

Pro Tips

For a touch of luxury, drizzle a bit of truffle oil on top before serving. You can also substitute chicken broth for a richer flavor.

Variations to Try

For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. This small addition transforms the flavor profile, making it exciting while still being inviting. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance for the best experience.

If you love herbs, try adding a handful of fresh basil or mint just before blending. These herbs will freshen the soup and add an herbaceous quality that beautifully complements the peas and spinach. Just remember to adjust the quantity based on your palate, as fresh herbs can vary in intensity.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your soup ends up too thick, simply whisk in a little more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if the soup is too thin, return it to heat and simmer for a few more minutes to reduce until it thickens up.

Should your soup taste somewhat flat, a splash of lemon juice can brighten it significantly. Start with half the juice of a lemon, taste, and add more if necessary. Remember that acidity can really enhance the overall flavor profile, lifting the sweetness of the peas.

Scaling This Recipe

If you're hosting a gathering or simply wish to meal prep, this recipe can be easily scaled up. To double the recipe, maintain the same cook times; however, be mindful that a larger pot may require a little more time to come to a boil. Adjust it accordingly while keeping an eye on the cooking process.

Conversely, if you want to make a smaller batch, you can halve the ingredients with no loss in flavor or consistency. Just remember to use a smaller saucepan for better heat distribution and quicker cooking times.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peas can be used, but fresh peas will yield a sweeter flavor.

→ How can I make this soup creamier?

You can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the blending stage for a creamier texture.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this soup are naturally gluten-free.