Spring Broccoli And Pea Soup
Highlighted under: Balanced Bites
I love making this vibrant Spring Broccoli and Pea Soup during the height of the season. It’s my go-to comfort food that’s both nourishing and refreshing. The combination of tender broccoli and sweet peas creates a beautiful balance, and the addition of fresh herbs elevates the flavor profile completely. Every spoonful is packed with nutrients and tastes delightful! Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
In my quest to embrace the bright flavors of spring, I stumbled upon this Spring Broccoli and Pea Soup recipe. It has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. The fresh ingredients really shine through, and each ingredient has its purpose—from the broccoli's earthiness to the peas' sweetness, creating a delightful harmony.
I also found that blending the soup until creamy and then adding a splash of lemon juice at the end transformed it into something special. The acidity brightens the overall flavor and makes it even more enjoyable, which I highly recommend trying!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich in seasonal flavors that awaken your palate
- Smooth and creamy texture that comforts the soul
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
The Goodness of Seasonal Ingredients
Using fresh broccoli and peas in this soup not only elevates the flavor but also ensures you're getting the maximum nutritional benefits. Seasonal produce is often richer in flavor, which makes a noticeable difference in your final dish. I recommend sourcing your ingredients from local farmers' markets when possible, particularly during the spring, to take advantage of peak freshness.
Broccoli brings a wealth of vitamins C and K, while peas are a great source of protein and fiber. Together, they create a nourishing base for your soup. You might notice that the vibrancy of the green color increases as you cook, indicating that the ingredients are releasing their flavors and nutrients into the broth.
Blending Techniques for Optimal Texture
When blending the soup, the goal is to achieve a silky, smooth consistency. If using an immersion blender, keep it submerged and blend until you see no large pieces remaining—typically about 1-2 minutes. If you prefer to use a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it in batches to avoid splattering. Be cautious and fill the blender only halfway to prevent overflow.
After blending, if you desire an extra creamy texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving. This not only enhances the mouthfeel but also adds a rich flavor that complements the earthiness of the broccoli and sweetness of the peas.
Making It Your Own
This soup provides a great foundation to customize based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a vegan variation, simply skip any dairy additions and enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast or a drizzle of coconut cream. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat, balancing the sweet notes of the peas beautifully.
If you want to bulk it up, consider adding diced potatoes or even finely chopped celery during the initial sauté. These ingredients will enrich the soup's texture and add even more flavor without overshadowing the primary components. Feel free to experiment with different herbs as well; dill and coriander can impart a unique twist to this classic spring dish.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients before you begin cooking:
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or mint) for garnish
Make sure you have everything prepped before heating!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious soup:
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Cook the Broccoli and Peas
Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. Stir in the peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
Finish with Lemon
After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a blender), and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!
Pro Tips
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of cream just before serving. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
Storage and Reheating
This Spring Broccoli and Pea Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you want to make it ahead of time, I recommend preparing the soup but holding off on adding the lemon juice until just before serving to maintain its bright flavor.
To reheat, simply warm it on medium heat until steaming, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup thickens too much upon refrigeration, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe is easily scalable depending on your needs. For larger gatherings, simply double the quantities of all ingredients, maintaining the same cooking times. If you’re cooking for one, you can also successfully make half the recipe, then freeze the leftovers in portioned containers for a quick meal later.
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and enjoy within 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned earlier.
Serving Suggestions
Serving the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad makes for a satisfying meal. I often drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving to add richness and a touch of elegance. You can also try pairing it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food combination.
For a unique twist, consider adding toppings such as croutons, toasted seeds, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The added textures will enhance the experience and allow you to customize each bowl to your liking.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe and saves preparation time.
→ How long will the soup last in the refrigerator?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
→ What can I serve with the soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a light sandwich.
Spring Broccoli And Pea Soup
I love making this vibrant Spring Broccoli and Pea Soup during the height of the season. It’s my go-to comfort food that’s both nourishing and refreshing. The combination of tender broccoli and sweet peas creates a beautiful balance, and the addition of fresh herbs elevates the flavor profile completely. Every spoonful is packed with nutrients and tastes delightful! Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Created by: Imogen Walker
Recipe Type: Balanced Bites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or mint) for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. Stir in the peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a blender), and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of cream just before serving. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 7g