This Spring Pea Soup is bright, fresh, and oh-so-easy to make! Loaded with vibrant green peas and topped with crispy prosciutto, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Honestly, there’s something magical about that crunchy prosciutto on top! I love serving this soup warm or chilled—perfect for any mood or season!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work great for sautéing. I prefer olive oil for its light flavor and health benefits, but if you’re looking for richness, butter is lovely too. You can swap olive oil with avocado oil for a similar taste.
Onion: A medium onion is perfect for this soup, giving it a sweet base. If you’re sensitive to onions, shallots or leeks can be a milder alternative. You could also use green onions for a fresher twist!
Fresh or Frozen Peas: Either works well, but fresh peas bring a pop of sweetness. If you can’t find fresh peas, frozen ones save time and taste great. Sweetcorn can also substitute if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth adds depth. For a vegetarian version, stick with vegetable broth, and for added richness, make your own broth if you have time. You can even use water in a pinch, but the flavor might be milder.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creaminess. You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version. I’ve found that Greek yogurt can add a lovely tang if you want to play around with flavor!
Prosciutto: This salty meat adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try crispy chickpeas or roasted seeds. Bacon is also a fantastic substitute but will change the soup’s flavor profile.
How Do I Get My Onions Soft and Sweet in the Soup?
To get perfectly soft and sweet onions, cooking them at the right temperature is key. You want to sauté them on medium heat slowly. This allows the natural sugars to caramelize, making them tender and sweet!
- Start with a good amount of olive oil or butter, about 2 tablespoons.
- Add chopped onions and toss them in the fat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Keep the heat moderate. If they start browning too quickly, reduce the heat. You aim for soft and translucent, not browned.
This step sets up a fantastic base for your soup, so don’t rush it!
How to Make Spring Pea Soup With Crisp Prosciutto
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas (divided: about 3 cups for soup, 1 cup for garnish)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Topping:
- 6 slices prosciutto
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh mint or basil leaves
- Crosty bread or crostini for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook, making a total time of around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. When hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This is going to be the flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Peas:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until you can smell that lovely aroma. Then stir in about 3 cups of the peas and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. This will help them soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Cook and Simmer:
Now it’s time to add the broth. Pour it in and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the peas are tender and cooked through. This will give your soup a wonderful depth of flavor!
4. Blend the Soup:
Once the peas are tender, it’s blending time! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then blend until creamy. Be careful with the hot soup!
5. Add Cream and Season:
After blending, stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Keep the soup warm on low heat while you prepare the prosciutto.
6. Crisp the Prosciutto:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the prosciutto slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8-12 minutes, until they are crisp. Once done, take them out and let them cool while you move on to the next step.
7. Blanch Remaining Peas:
In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the remaining 1 cup of peas. Blanch them for 1-2 minutes, just enough to soften slightly, then drain. These will be your pretty garnish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your delicious soup! Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with a spoonful of cream, a few blanched peas, and top with slices of the crisp prosciutto. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper. If you like, add fresh mint or basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor.
9. Pair with Bread:
For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or crostini on the side. Dip, enjoy, and savor the delightful flavors of spring!
Enjoy your vibrant and creamy spring pea soup elevated with the savory crispness of prosciutto!
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are a convenient option and will blend smoothly into the soup. They’re picked and frozen at their peak freshness, so you won’t lose much in terms of flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore its creamy texture.
Can This Soup Be Made Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegan by omitting the prosciutto and replacing the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Use vegetable broth as your base, and you’re all set!
What Can I Use Instead of Prosciutto?
If you’re looking for a substitute, crispy bacon or turkey bacon works well for a similar crunch and flavor. For a vegetarian option, try crispy chickpeas or roasted seeds to add texture without the meat.
