You've likely encountered numerous soup recipes, but have you ever tried the refreshing combination of pea, mint, and spring onion? This vibrant soup, paired with crispy Parmesan biscuits, offers a delightful twist on traditional spring fare. It's not just the flavors that make this dish special; it's the story behind it and the simple yet effective techniques used in its preparation. As you consider adding this recipe to your repertoire, you might wonder about its origins and the best methods for achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Let's explore what makes this soup a standout choice for your next meal.
Key Takeaways
- The soup combines sweet peas, aromatic mint, and zesty spring onions for a refreshing spring flavor profile.
- Parmesan biscuits provide a savory, crunchy complement to the smooth texture of the soup.
- The recipe requires only five key ingredients: peas, spring onions, mint, vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese.
- Blending the soup creates a smooth consistency, while garnishes add visual appeal and extra flavor.
- The dish offers a light, comforting meal that can be prepared quickly and easily.
History
Pea soup has a long and rich history dating back centuries. You'll find that this humble dish has been a staple in many cultures, particularly in Europe where it was often associated with peasant cuisine.
In medieval times, dried peas were a common ingredient due to their long shelf life and nutritional value. The addition of mint to pea soup is a more recent development, likely originating in the 18th or 19th century when fresh herbs became more widely available.
The combination of peas and mint has since become a classic pairing, celebrated for its refreshing flavor profile. Spring onions, another key ingredient in this recipe, have been used in cooking for thousands of years, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to ancient Egypt.
The modern version of pea, mint, and spring onion soup represents a fusion of traditional ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques. By incorporating these elements, you're participating in a culinary tradition that spans generations.
The addition of Parmesan biscuits is a creative twist that elevates the dish, combining the rustic charm of pea soup with a touch of gourmet flair.
Recipe
Pea, Mint & Spring Onion Soup is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring. This light and flavorful soup combines the sweetness of peas, the aromatic touch of mint, and the zesty kick of spring onions to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
Paired with crispy Parmesan biscuits, this soup makes for an excellent light meal or appetizer. The simplicity of the recipe, using only five key ingredients, allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through, while the Parmesan biscuits add a savory crunch that complements the smooth texture of the soup.
- 4 cups (600g) frozen peas
- 4 spring onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh mint leaves
- 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the frozen peas and chopped spring onions, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mint leaves.
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. While the soup is cooking, prepare the Parmesan biscuits by forming small mounds of grated cheese on a baking sheet and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.
For best results, use fresh mint leaves as they provide a brighter flavor than dried mint. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
The Parmesan biscuits can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Be sure to serve the soup hot with the biscuits on the side for dipping.
Cooking Steps
To make this delightful Pea, Mint & Spring Onion Soup, you'll need to follow a series of simple steps.
You'll begin by preparing your ingredients and equipment, then simmer the peas and onions before blending the soup to a smooth consistency.
While the soup is cooking, you'll make the Parmesan biscuits, and finally, you'll season and serve your freshly made soup with the crispy biscuits on the side.
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
You'll need 4 cups of frozen peas, 4 spring onions, 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Make sure you have a large pot for cooking the soup, as well as an immersion blender or regular blender for pureeing. Don't forget a baking sheet for the Parmesan biscuits.
For equipment, you'll want a sharp knife for chopping the spring onions, measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient quantities, and a wooden spoon for stirring.
If you're using a regular blender, have a large bowl ready to transfer the soup back into after blending. It's also helpful to have a small bowl for the mint leaves and a grater for the Parmesan if it's not pre-grated.
Lastly, ensure your oven is clean and functioning properly for baking the Parmesan biscuits.
With everything prepared, you'll be ready to create this delightful spring soup efficiently and without interruption.
Step 2. Simmer Peas and Onions
The soup-making process begins with a simple simmering step. In a large pot, bring your vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Once it's bubbling, carefully add the frozen peas and chopped spring onions to the hot liquid. You'll notice the vibrant green color of the peas as they begin to thaw and cook.
Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer, allowing the vegetables to cook for about 5 minutes. During this time, the peas will soften and become tender, while the spring onions will release their mild, oniony flavor into the broth.
Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent any vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
As the peas and onions simmer, you'll start to smell the fresh, sweet aroma of the vegetables. This short cooking time is crucial, as it preserves the bright flavor and color of the peas while ensuring they're cooked through.
Once the 5 minutes are up, remove the pot from the heat. The peas should be tender but still maintain their vibrant green hue.
Step 3. Blend Soup Until Smooth
With the peas and spring onions perfectly simmered, it's time to transform your mixture into a silky smooth soup.
Remove the pot from heat and carefully add the fresh mint leaves, allowing their aromatic oils to infuse the mixture.
Now, you'll need to puree the soup until it reaches a velvety consistency. If you have an immersion blender, simply insert it into the pot and blend until smooth, moving it around to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly processed.
Alternatively, if you're using a regular blender, you'll need to work in batches. Carefully transfer portions of the hot soup to the blender, securing the lid tightly before pulsing. Remember to leave space for steam to escape, preventing pressure buildup.
Once blended, return the soup to the pot and stir to combine. If you find the texture too thick, gradually add small amounts of vegetable broth or water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind that the flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits.
Step 4. Make Parmesan Biscuits
While your soup simmers, it's time to prepare the crispy Parmesan biscuits.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Take your grated Parmesan cheese and form small mounds on the prepared baking sheet. Each mound should be about a tablespoon in size, and you'll want to space them at least an inch apart to allow for spreading.
Once you've arranged your cheese mounds, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the Parmesan biscuits for 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. You'll know they're ready when they've turned a golden brown color and have a crisp texture.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the biscuits cool for a few minutes. They'll continue to crisp up as they cool. Once they're firm enough to handle, carefully transfer the Parmesan biscuits to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
These crispy, savory biscuits will be the perfect accompaniment to your smooth and flavorful pea soup.
Step 5. Season and Serve Soup
Once your soup is pureed and smooth, it's time to perfect the seasoning. Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. If you'd like a brighter taste, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice.
For a richer consistency, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, making sure to distribute it evenly. For an elegant presentation, drizzle a swirl of cream or olive oil on top. Garnish each bowl with a few fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of finely chopped spring onions to add a pop of color and reinforce the soup's flavors.
Serve the Parmesan biscuits alongside the soup, either on the same plate or in a separate basket. They're perfect for dipping into the soup or enjoying on their own.
If you've made the biscuits ahead of time, warm them briefly in the oven before serving to restore their crispness. For an extra special touch, you can offer additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle over their soup if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Pea, Mint & Spring Onion Soup is a delightful way to celebrate the arrival of spring. You'll find that the combination of sweet peas, aromatic mint, and zesty spring onions creates a harmonious blend of flavors that's both refreshing and comforting.
The simplicity of the recipe, using only five key ingredients, allows the natural tastes of the vegetables to shine through.
When you're preparing this soup, remember that fresh mint leaves will provide a brighter flavor than dried mint. If you find the soup too thick, don't hesitate to add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
The Parmesan biscuits are a perfect accompaniment, adding a savory crunch that complements the smooth texture of the soup. You can make these biscuits ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to two days, making meal prep even easier.
Whether you're serving this as a light meal or an appetizer, you're sure to impress with this vibrant and flavorful springtime dish.
