Pea Soup with Mint Espuma: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Dish

Pea soup with mint espuma is a refreshing twist on a classic dish. This vibrant green soup combines the sweetness of peas with the cool, fresh flavour of mint. The espuma adds a light, airy texture that elevates the whole experience.

You can make this soup in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Start by sautéing onions in butter until soft. Add peas and vegetable stock, then simmer until the peas are tender. Blend the soup until smooth and stir in chopped fresh mint.

For the espuma, whip cream with mint leaves and a pinch of salt. Serve the soup in bowls topped with a dollop of the minty foam. This dish works well as a starter or light meal, and you can enjoy it hot or chilled depending on the weather.

Become a Distributor

Essential Ingredients and Variations

Pea and mint soup is a versatile dish with a few key components and many possible tweaks. The basic ingredients create a fresh, vibrant soup that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

The Role of Peas in the Soup

Peas are the star of this soup, giving it its signature colour and flavour. You can use frozen peas, which are often sweeter and more consistent in quality. Fresh peas work too, but they need more prep time. English peas or petit pois are great choices. Frozen peas cook quickly, usually in 2-5 minutes. Fresh peas may need 5-7 minutes to soften.

For the best taste, use about 500g of peas for every litre of stock. This ratio gives a rich, thick soup. You can adjust it to make the soup thinner or thicker.

Incorporating Mint for a Refreshing Twist

Mint adds a cool, fresh taste to the soup. Fresh garden mint is ideal, but dried mint works in a pinch. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint leaves per litre of soup. Put the mint in near the end of cooking to keep its bright flavour.

If you don’t have fresh mint, you can use a small spoon of mint jelly. This adds sweetness too, so taste before adding extra sugar. Mint pairs well with peas, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Creating a Rich Base

A good base is key for a tasty soup. Start with a mix of butter and olive oil. Fry a chopped medium onion and a couple of garlic cloves until soft. This takes about 5 minutes. For a richer taste, add a slice or two of chopped bacon.

Use vegetable stock as your liquid. You’ll need about 1 litre for every 500g of peas. Homemade stock is best, but a good quality shop-bought one works well too. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter and skip any dairy.

Texture and Creaminess

The texture of your soup can range from silky smooth to slightly chunky. For a smooth soup, blend it well after cooking. A stick blender makes this easy to do right in the pot. For a chunkier soup, blend less or set aside some whole peas to add back in.

To make the soup creamy, add a dollop of crème fraîche, sour cream, or Greek yoghurt. Stir it in after blending. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or coconut milk. These add richness without changing the flavour too much.

Flavour Enhancers and Seasonings

Salt and pepper are must-haves for seasoning. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavour. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the taste and balances the sweetness of the peas. Start with the juice of half a lemon and adjust to taste.

For extra depth, try adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of white wine. A teaspoon of dried mint can boost the minty flavour if needed. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to suit your palate.

Optional Additions for Depth

To make your soup more filling, add a diced potato or a handful of rice. These will thicken the soup and make it more substantial. Cook them with the peas until soft.

For a protein boost, try adding some cooked ham or crispy bacon bits. Vegetarians can use crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts. A swirl of extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of pesto on top adds a nice finish.

You can also play with herbs. Try adding a handful of fresh basil or a sprig of thyme for a different flavour profile. These small changes can create a whole new soup experience.

Preparation and Cooking Techniques

Making pea soup with mint espuma involves simple steps and creative serving ideas. Let’s explore the cooking process, serving suggestions, and recipe inspirations.

The Cooking Process

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.

Add fresh or frozen peas to the pot. If using frozen peas, cook for 2 minutes. For fresh peas, simmer for 5-7 minutes. The peas should stay bright green.

Remove from heat and blend until smooth using a stick blender. Add fresh mint leaves and blend again. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

For the mint espuma, blend fresh mint leaves with a bit of water and strain. Mix with whipped cream and chill before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pea soup hot or chilled, depending on preference. For hot soup, ladle into bowls and top with a dollop of mint espuma.

For a chilled version, refrigerate the soup for at least 2 hours. Serve in chilled bowls or glasses with mint espuma on top.

Garnish with extra mint leaves, a drizzle of cream, or croutons for added texture. For a protein boost, add a spoonful of Greek yoghurt or crumbled feta cheese.

Recipe Inspirations

Take inspiration from Mary Berry’s pea and mint soup recipe. She adds mint jelly for extra flavour and uses mint stalks during cooking for a deeper mint taste.

Try adding a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavours. For a richer soup, stir in a bit of double cream before serving.

Experiment with different herbs. While mint is classic, basil or tarragon can offer interesting variations. You could also add a handful of spinach for extra nutrients and a darker green colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pea and mint soup is a versatile dish with many variations. Here are answers to common questions about making and serving this tasty soup.

What are the steps for preparing pea and mint soup using frozen peas?

Heat oil in a pot and sauté diced onion and garlic until soft. Add frozen peas, vegetable stock, mint, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Can pea and mint soup be served cold, and if so, how should it be adjusted?

Yes, pea and mint soup can be served cold as a refreshing summer dish. To adjust, chill the soup for at least 2 hours before serving. You may want to add extra mint and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours when served cold.

What are the health benefits associated with consuming pea soup?

Pea soup is packed with nutrients. It’s high in protein, fibre, and vitamins A and C. Peas are also a good source of iron and potassium. The mint adds a fresh flavour and may aid digestion.

How can you achieve a creamy texture in pea and mint soup?

For a creamy texture, add a peeled and diced potato when cooking the peas. The potato will break down and thicken the soup. You can also blend in a splash of cream or coconut milk after pureeing the soup.

What is the traditional origin of pea and mint soup?

Pea and mint soup has roots in British cuisine. It became popular in the UK as a way to use abundant summer peas. The combination of peas and mint is a classic pairing in British cooking.

How do you veganise traditional pea and mint soup recipes?

To make vegan pea and mint soup, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. For creaminess, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream. Ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.