Jamie Oliver’s Pea and Mint Soup is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any season. Made with fresh peas, fragrant mint, and a few simple ingredients, this soup is light yet satisfying. The sweetness of the peas pairs beautifully with the cool, fresh flavor of mint, making it a deliciously healthy option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
What Is Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup?
Jamie Oliver’s Pea and Mint Soup is a smooth, blended soup made from fresh or frozen peas, mint, and vegetable stock. The result is a light yet creamy soup that bursts with the natural sweetness of peas and the cooling freshness of mint. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a starter, light lunch, or even as a side dish.
Other Popular Recipes
- James Martin Butternut Squash Soup
- Mary Berry Lentil Soup
- Mary Berry Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Takes under 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
- Healthy and Light: Packed with fresh ingredients that are low in calories but high in nutrients.
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet peas and fresh mint creates a wonderfully refreshing soup.
- Versatile: Serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Great for a light meal in spring or summer but also comforting during colder months.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup
To make one pot of soup (serves 4), gather the following ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) frozen peas (or fresh if available): Sweet and vibrant, forming the base of the soup.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds depth and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For an aromatic, flavorful base.
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced: Adds creaminess to the soup when blended.
- 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable stock: Provides a flavorful base for the soup.
- A large handful of fresh mint leaves: Adds freshness and cools the soup.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning.
- Cream or yogurt (optional, for garnish): Adds a creamy finish when serving.
Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup:
- Large pot: To cook the soup.
- Blender or immersion blender: For blending the soup to a smooth consistency.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the soup while cooking.
- Ladle: For serving the soup.
Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add the Potato and Stock
- Add the diced potato to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potato is soft and cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Peas and Mint
- Stir in the peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they’re tender.
- Add the fresh mint leaves and stir to combine.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly.
- Using a blender or an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with a drizzle of cream or yogurt and a few extra mint leaves.
- Serve hot or cold, depending on your preference.
What Goes Well with Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup?
Here are some great accompaniments for Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair with a cheesy sandwich for a heartier meal.
- Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the soup.
- Herbed Crackers: Crisp crackers with herbs complement the fresh flavors of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables for a warm, nutritious meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup
To make your Pea and Mint Soup even better, follow these tips:
- Use Fresh Peas if Possible: Fresh peas offer a more vibrant flavor, but frozen peas work just as well if fresh are not available.
- Don’t Overcook the Peas: Cook the peas just until tender to preserve their bright green color and sweet flavor.
- Add Mint at the End: Adding the mint toward the end helps maintain its fresh flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup
Want to add your own twist to this soup? Try these variations:
- Creamy Pea Soup: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk before blending for a richer, creamier soup.
- Spicy Pea Soup: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Pea Soup: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Bacon Pea Soup: Crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Herby Twist: Add fresh basil or parsley along with the mint for extra herbal freshness.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup
Here’s how to store your soup for later:
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup
To reheat the soup while keeping it fresh and flavorful:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave on medium power in 1-2 minute bursts, stirring between each burst.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup Healthier?
For a lighter version of this soup, try these options:
- Use Olive Oil Spray: Instead of 2 tbsp of olive oil, use an olive oil spray to reduce the amount of fat.
- Add More Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to boost the fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce Salt: Use low-sodium vegetable stock and season the soup lightly to reduce the sodium content.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas for pea and mint soup?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly for pea and mint soup. They are often just as fresh as garden peas since they are frozen shortly after being harvested. Using frozen peas can save time and ensure a vibrant green color and sweet flavor.
How do I keep pea and mint soup bright green?
To keep your pea and mint soup bright green, avoid overcooking the peas. Cook them just until tender and then blend the soup immediately. You can also add a small squeeze of lemon juice at the end to help maintain the vibrant color.
Can I make pea and mint soup ahead of time?
Yes, pea and mint soup can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated gently before serving to retain its fresh flavor.
What can I substitute for mint in pea and mint soup?
If you don’t have mint, you can substitute fresh basil or parsley for a different but equally fresh flavor. These herbs will still complement the sweetness of the peas while giving the soup a slightly different twist.
Final Words
The Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup Recipe is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With its combination of sweet peas, fragrant mint, and a creamy texture, this soup is perfect as a starter or a light meal.
More By British Baking Recipes
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Jamie Oliver Pea and Mint Soup
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Pea and Mint Soup is a smooth, blended soup made from fresh or frozen peas, mint, and vegetable stock. The result is a light yet creamy soup that bursts with the natural sweetness of peas and the cooling freshness of mint. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a starter, light lunch, or even as a side dish.
Ingredients
To make one pot of soup (serves 4), gather the following ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) frozen peas (or fresh if available): Sweet and vibrant, forming the base of the soup.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds depth and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For an aromatic, flavorful base.
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced: Adds creaminess to the soup when blended.
- 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable stock: Provides a flavorful base for the soup.
- A large handful of fresh mint leaves: Adds freshness and cools the soup.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning.
- Cream or yogurt (optional, for garnish): Adds a creamy finish when serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add the Potato and Stock
- Add the diced potato to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potato is soft and cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Peas and Mint
- Stir in the peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they’re tender.
- Add the fresh mint leaves and stir to combine.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly.
- Using a blender or an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with a drizzle of cream or yogurt and a few extra mint leaves.
- Serve hot or cold, depending on your preference.
