Print

Fresh Spring Pea and Mint Soup with Creamy Crème Fraîche Swirl

fresh spring pea and mint soup - featured image

A quick and easy fresh spring pea and mint soup featuring a silky crème fraîche swirl that balances sweetness and herbal freshness, perfect for a light lunch or elegant starter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen peas (about 600 grams)
  • 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves (15 grams, loosely packed)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (720 ml), low-sodium recommended
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra-virgin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup crème fraîche (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and pick the mint leaves off their stems. Shell fresh peas if using; measure frozen peas.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Stir in peas and pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until peas are soft and the soup color deepens.
  6. Remove pot from heat. Add fresh mint leaves and blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender in batches.
  7. Stir in lemon juice, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with water or broth if needed.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and add a dollop of crème fraîche in the center of each. Swirl gently with a spoon to create a marbled effect.

Notes

Use fresh peas for best sweetness; frozen peas are a good substitute. Add mint after blending for brighter flavor. Be careful when blending hot soup to avoid splashes. Crème fraîche swirl adds tang and creaminess; substitute with coconut or cashew cream for dairy-free. Lemon juice brightens flavors. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Soup can be made ahead and reheated gently. For vegan version, use coconut cream and ensure broth is vegan.

Nutrition

Keywords: pea soup, spring soup, mint soup, crème fraîche, easy soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, quick soup