Chilled Minted Pea Soup
Beat the heat this summer with our refreshing Chilled Minted Pea Soup! This vibrant green soup showcases the sweetness of fresh peas complemented by the invigorating flavors of mint. Perfectly light and nourishing, this dish is not only low in fat and calories but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a sunny patio lunch. Pair it with whole wheat rolls and a refreshing beverage for a delightful meal that celebrates the season's freshest produce. Ideal for warm days, this soup can be served chilled to offer a soothing respite from the summer sun. Enjoy the delicate balance of flavors with each spoonful!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
scallions
2 (green parts only, cut into 4-inch lengths)
celery rib
1 (trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths)
onion
1/2 medium (finely chopped)
chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 cups (reduced-sodium)
fresh peas or frozen peas
4 cups (thawed if frozen)
fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup (none)
peapods
4 (for garnish)
mint leaf
to taste (for garnish)
Greek nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup (Fage Total non-fat)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallions, celery, and finely chopped onion, stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened and wilted, about 5 minutes.
2
Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the peas. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
3
Remove the pot from heat and carefully transfer the soup in batches to a food processor or blender. Add the fresh mint leaves, then season to taste with salt and black pepper. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4
Once blended, chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Serve each bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt in the center, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a peapod for an elegant touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Minted Pea Soup?
Chilled Minted Pea Soup is a refreshing, vibrant green summer soup that combines the sweetness of fresh peas with the invigorating flavor of fresh mint.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 4 cups of either fresh peas or frozen peas, though frozen peas should be thawed before use.
How long should I chill the soup before serving?
The soup should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure it is refreshing.
Is this pea soup vegetarian?
The recipe can be made vegetarian by choosing vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What are the main ingredients for the soup base?
The base is made from olive oil, scallions, celery, onion, and chicken or vegetable broth.
How much mint is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of fresh mint leaves to be blended into the soup, plus extra leaves for garnish.
What type of yogurt is recommended for topping?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of Greek nonfat yogurt, specifically mentioning Fage Total non-fat.
How do I achieve a smooth texture?
Transfer the cooked soup to a food processor or blender and blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
What garnishes should I use?
Serve each bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh mint leaves, and a peapod for an elegant presentation.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is low in fat, low in calories, and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy light meal choice.
What should I serve with Chilled Minted Pea Soup?
It pairs perfectly with whole wheat rolls and a refreshing beverage for a complete summer meal.
How many cups of broth are needed?
You will need 3 cups of reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
Which parts of the scallions should I use?
The recipe specifies using only the green parts of 2 scallions, cut into 4-inch lengths.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The scallions, celery, and onion should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until softened and wilted.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
How long do the peas need to simmer?
Once the broth is boiling and the peas are added, let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
Can I use a food processor?
Yes, you can use either a food processor or a blender to process the soup in batches.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a medium onion, finely chopped.
How should the celery be prepared?
One celery rib should be trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths before cooking.
Is the soup seasoned with spices?
The soup is seasoned to taste with salt and black pepper during the blending process.
Why is this soup good for summer?
It is served chilled and features refreshing mint and light ingredients, offering a soothing respite from the heat.
How many peapods are needed for the garnish?
The recipe suggests using 4 peapods for the final garnish.
Do I boil the broth before adding peas?
Yes, bring the broth to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to a simmer and stirring in the peas.
Can I make this soup in a Dutch oven?
Yes, a large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for preparing the soup.
Is the broth supposed to be low sodium?
Yes, the recipe recommends using reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
What is the color of the final dish?
The final dish is a vibrant green color due to the fresh peas and mint.
Is this a heavy or light soup?
This is a light and nourishing soup, perfect for a sunny patio lunch.
Are the mint leaves cooked?
No, the fresh mint leaves are added directly to the blender with the cooked ingredients to maintain their fresh flavor.
How many servings does this provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the recipe uses 4 cups of peas and 3 cups of broth, making a substantial batch.