Spring Pea And Lemon Soup

Name: Spring Pea And Lemon Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen peas; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Light Bite Creations

I absolutely love making this Spring Pea and Lemon Soup when the weather starts warming up. It’s a delightful blend of fresh peas and zesty lemon that truly captures the essence of spring. The vibrant green color and the refreshing flavor make it a perfect starter for any meal or a light lunch option. Plus, it's incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients that you likely already have at home. I often find myself making extra just to enjoy throughout the week, as it stays deliciously fresh in the fridge!

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-16T04:57:36.515Z

When I first decided to create this Spring Pea and Lemon Soup, I was inspired by the stunning hues of fresh peas that I found at my local farmer's market. I knew I wanted to capture that freshness in a light, vibrant dish that could showcase the simplicity of spring produce. By cooking the peas gently and puréeing them, I discovered a creamy texture that was surprisingly rich despite being dairy-free.

One of my favorite tips is to use fresh lemon zest alongside the juice. The zest enhances the flavor profile in a way that just juice alone cannot. It adds a beautiful brightness, elevating the overall dish. Trust me, this step is a must if you want to enjoy the zingy freshness that this soup embodies!

Why You'll Love This Soup
Bright and refreshing flavors that scream spring
Light yet creamy texture without heavy cream
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days

Choosing Fresh Peas vs. Frozen Peas

When making Spring Pea and Lemon Soup, the choice between fresh and frozen peas can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your dish. Fresh peas are sweet and tender, offering a vibrant taste that shines through in this soup. If you're using fresh peas, ensure they're bright green and firm to the touch. For convenience, frozen peas are a fantastic substitute; they’re picked and frozen at peak freshness, making them almost as flavorful as fresh ones. Just remember to thaw them briefly under warm water before cooking to achieve the right tenderness.

Regardless of your choice, remember that the quality of the peas directly affects the soup’s flavor profile. I prefer to use organic peas when possible, as they tend to have a sweeter taste and fewer pesticides. For a twist, consider adding a handful of pea shoots along with your peas for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Blending Techniques for Creamy Soup

To achieve that silky smooth texture characteristic of this soup, blending is crucial. If using an immersion blender, ensure you’re blending deeply to incorporate all the pea goodness. Blend until the soup is completely smooth, which usually takes 1-2 minutes. If you're using a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly, and blend in batches to avoid spillage and a too-thick mixture that could damage your appliance.

A common mistake with blending is under-blending, which can result in a grainy texture. For a perfectly creamy finish, blend until the soup reaches a glossy appearance. If you find the soup is too thick after blending, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a splash of additional vegetable broth or water and blending again.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Spring Pea and Lemon Soup is perfect for meal prep, and you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to maintain the creamy texture; high heat can lead to separation, especially since there’s no heavy cream involved. Adding a splash of broth while reheating can help revive the soup's consistency if it thickens too much.

For serving, consider pairing this soup with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a light lunch. You can also elevate the presentation with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top, complementing the freshness of the peas and lemon beautifully. For a heartier version, add cooked diced potatoes or a protein like grilled chicken, making it a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your soup:

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen peas
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your soup:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Peas and Broth

Stir in the peas and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the peas are tender.

Blend the Soup

Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.

Season and Serve

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm garnished with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra creamy soup, you can add a splash of coconut milk before blending!

Customizing Your Soup

One of the joys of this Spring Pea and Lemon Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavor profile by introducing additional herbs like dill or basil, which can enhance the freshness. For a spicy kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added when sautéing the onions, providing an unexpected heat that contrasts beautifully with the soup's sweetness.

If you're looking for a creamier texture without heavy cream, consider stirring in a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream just before serving. Not only does this add a luxurious mouthfeel, but it also gives the soup a subtle tang that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your soup turns out too tart from the lemon, balance the flavors with a pinch of sugar or honey, which can help round out the acidity. Alternatively, if the taste is flat, try adjusting the seasoning with extra salt or adding more lemon zest for an extra zing.

In case you find the soup too thick after blending, simply thin it out by adding more vegetable broth a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Be cautious with this, as it's better to start with less and add more, as the soup can't be thickened again easily.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable. For a larger gathering, simply double or triple the quantities, ensuring that your pot is large enough to handle the volume. When multiplying the recipe, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the heat distribution in your larger pot, so always taste the peas for tenderness before blending.

If you’re making a smaller batch for one or two servings, you can halve all the ingredients without affecting the flavor or texture significantly. Just be careful with the amount of broth — start with less and add according to your preferred consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen peas work perfectly and save you time!

→ What can I serve with this soup?

It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Is this soup vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s completely plant-based.