Pea Soup with Basil Garnish: A Vibrant and Flavorful Delight
Pea soup has long been a beloved comfort food, offering a rich, velvety texture and a burst of flavor that warms the soul. But this recipe takes the classic dish to new heights, elevating it with a vibrant basil garnish that adds a touch of freshness and complexity to every spoonful.
💝 The Magic Behind This Dish
What sets this pea soup recipe apart is the seamless integration of the earthy, sweet peas with the fragrant, herbal notes of the basil. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly complement each other, creating a dish that is both comforting and captivating.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this soup also boasts a silky-smooth texture that can be achieved with minimal effort. The use of frozen peas ensures that the natural sweetness and nutrients are locked in, making this a truly satisfying and nutritious meal.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
The beauty of this pea soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of frozen peas, onion, and garlic creates the comforting, savory flavor profile that has made pea soup a perennial favorite.
👨🍳 Cooking Instructions
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and the frozen peas. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
• Step 4: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
• Step 5: Stir in the milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional pea soup, which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this recipe saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
📊 Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 385mg
These pea soup recipes provide approximately 16% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal
• Complement with a fresh green salad for a light and balanced dinner
❗ Avoid These Errors
• Forgetting to season: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the full flavor of the pea soup.
• Blending too much: While you want a creamy, smooth texture, blending the soup too much can result in a starchy, gritty consistency. Stop blending once the desired texture is achieved.
🥶 Storage & Leftovers
These pea soup recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: Freeze the soup in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until steaming hot.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this pea soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, you can easily make this pea soup dairy-free by using a plant-based milk, such as almond, cashew, or oat milk. The texture and flavor will remain similar, and it will be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
What can I add to this recipe for extra flavor?
For additional flavor, you can try adding a teaspoon of fresh thyme, a pinch of nutmeg, or a splash of lemon juice. You can also experiment with different garnishes, such as croutons, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of pesto.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These pea soup with basil garnish recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a starter for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their velvety texture and vibrant flavor profile.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this pea soup demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the magic of pea soup elevated with a fresh basil garnish?
