There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, sweet peas to signal the arrival of spring. This isn’t your average pea soup; it’s a vibrant, velvety dream in a bowl. We’re elevating the classic with the subtle sweetness of butter lettuce and a sophisticated splash of white wine, creating a soup that’s both comforting and incredibly elegant. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season’s best produce. Get ready to fall in love with pea soup all over again!
Ingredients
• 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg fresh peas in the pod, yielding about 4 cups / 580g shelled peas
• 6 cups / 1.5 liters water
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3 to 4 large sprigs fresh parsley
• 1 tsp / 6g salt, plus more to taste
• ½ tsp / 2g granulated sugar
• 1 small head butter or Boston lettuce, about 5-6 oz / 150g
• 4 Tbsp / 57g unsalted butter, divided
• ½ cup / 120ml dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc
• ¼ cup / 60ml heavy cream
• 1 dash white pepper, to taste
• Small Soup Dumplings, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shelled peas, water, chopped onion, parsley sprigs, 1 teaspoon of salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 40 minutes.
2. While the soup simmers, wash and coarsely chop the lettuce. In a separate skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped lettuce and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it is completely wilted and soft, and most of its liquid has evaporated.
3. Carefully transfer the cooked lettuce and any butter from the skillet into the simmering soup pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches, ensuring not to overfill and venting the lid to allow steam to escape. Blend until completely smooth and velvety. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
5. Return the puréed soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the dry white wine, heavy cream, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Heat gently until the soup is warmed through, but do not let it boil.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and a dash of white pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with small soup dumplings if desired.
Nutritional Information
• Estimated values per serving, based on 8 servings.Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 350mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g
Pro Tips
• If fresh peas are out of season, high-quality frozen peas are an excellent substitute. Thaw them before use and reduce the initial simmering time by 10-15 minutes.
• For the smoothest, most luxurious texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any remaining fibrous bits from the pea skins.
• To make this soup vegan, substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a rich cashew cream.
FAQ
Q: How can I make this pea soup vegan
A: To make this recipe completely plant-based, substitute the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan butter. For the creaminess, replace the ¼ cup of heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a rich cashew cream for an equally luxurious texture.
Q: Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh for this recipe
A: Yes, high-quality frozen peas are an excellent substitute when fresh peas are out of season. Be sure to thaw them before use and reduce the initial simmering time (step 1) by 10-15 minutes, as they cook more quickly than fresh peas.
Q: Is this vegetarian pea soup a good source of protein
A: This soup provides 6g of plant-based protein per serving, primarily from the peas. To create a more protein-rich vegetarian meal, consider serving it with the optional soup dumplings, a side of quinoa salad, or topping it with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Q: How should I store this fresh pea soup
A: You can store this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling the soup after the cream has been added to maintain its velvety texture. Note that the vibrant green color may lessen slightly upon reheating.
