Chilled Minted Pea Soup
This easy, refreshing soup combines just four main ingredients, making it ideal for warm days when you need something quick and satisfying. Light, bright, and slightly tangy from the buttermilk, this chilled pea soup with mint offers a soothing, verdant flavor perfect for any summer meal.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen peas blanched
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 0.25 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Blanch the peas in boiling water for about 3 minutes or until tender. Strain and refresh in an ice bath.
- Transfer the peas into a blender, and add vegetable broth, mint leaves, and the buttermilk. Purée the mixture until it is very smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pass the soup through a sieve and transfer to a bowl set in a larger bowl of ice and cold water. Chill, occasionally stirring, for 10 minutes, or until chilled.
- Serve chilled in small cups.
Cooking Tips for Chilled Minted Pea Soup
- Blanching for Bright Color: Blanch the peas briefly in salted boiling water (around 3 minutes). Immediately transfer to an ice bath to keep the vibrant green color and fresh taste.
- Adjust Mint to Taste: Start with a small amount of mint leaves, then add more based on your taste preference. Fresh mint can easily overpower, so balance it with the peas.
- Buttermilk for Tang: Buttermilk adds a delightful tang and creamy texture. If you want a vegan version, substitute with unsweetened almond milk or coconut yogurt and add a dash of lemon juice.
- Strain for Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the soup through a sieve after blending. This removes any fibrous bits, giving a silky mouthfeel.
- Seasoning Matters: White pepper provides a gentle heat without altering the soup’s fresh green color. Add salt gradually, tasting as you go to bring out the pea’s natural sweetness.
- Chill Thoroughly: To serve cold, let the soup chill for at least an hour. Set it over an ice bath for faster cooling if you’re short on time.
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In our Cold and World Soups Course, dive into a diverse selection of refreshing cold soups and traditional recipes from around the globe. Discover how cultures across continents use unique ingredients and techniques to create soups that are light, flavorful, and perfectly suited for different climates.
In this course, you’ll learn to:
- Craft Cold Soups: Master refreshing soups like gazpacho, borscht, and chilled avocado soup, ideal for warm weather.
- Explore Cultural Classics: Experience traditional soups from various cuisines, each with distinct flavors and preparation methods.
- Balance Ingredients: Learn to use seasonal ingredients and spices to create vibrant, nutritious, and flavorful soups.
Whether you’re a home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this course will expand your soup repertoire with both comforting classics and refreshing, chilled creations from around the world. Join us and add an international twist to your cooking!