Creamy Green Pea Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
This vibrant green pea soup is a smooth, creamy, and refreshing dish perfect for any season. Made with fresh basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a hint of lime juice, it combines delicate sweetness and subtle herbaceous flavors. Quick to prepare and versatile, it can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it an excellent starter or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1¼ cups roughly chopped shallots (from 3 large shallots)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 lbs (6 cups) frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves (plus more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the roughly chopped shallots and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes, taking care not to brown them to preserve their sweetness.
- Cook Peas and Broth: Add the vegetable broth, frozen peas, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to cook the peas through and blend the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Add the chopped fresh basil, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh lime juice. Use a stick blender to purée the soup until it becomes smooth and creamy. If a stick blender is unavailable, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches in a regular blender, ensuring to vent the lid and cover with a towel to prevent splatters. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. The soup can be enjoyed warm immediately or chilled and served cold as a refreshing option.
Notes
- Make sure not to brown the shallots during sautéing to maintain a delicate flavor.
- The soup can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for any season.
- Use a stick blender for a quicker and smoother blending process.
- If using a regular blender, blend in batches and vent the lid carefully to avoid splatters.
- For a richer texture, you can add a swirl of cream or coconut milk if desired, although this is optional.
- Adjust the salt and lime juice to your taste preferences for brightness and seasoning.