Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with our creamy pea and carrot soup—a delightful dish that’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also a vibrant splash of color on your table! With its luscious texture and the perfect balance of sweetness from the carrots and earthiness from the peas, this American classic is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive starter for your next gathering, this soup is a must-try! Join us as we unveil the secrets to crafting this creamy delight in just 30 minutes—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups peas
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and cutting carrots into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add chopped carrots to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften and develop a deeper flavor.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing the carrots to cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add fresh or frozen peas and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until peas are bright green and tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer to a standing blender in batches.
- Stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety texture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the soup to low heat and warm gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like chives or a drizzle of cream.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This way, you can whip up the soup in no time when hunger strikes!
- Choose Fresh or Frozen: Fresh peas and carrots are ideal for this recipe, but frozen options work just as well and can save you some prep time. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Blend to Perfection: For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If using a standing blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches to avoid splatters.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or use a plant-based cream alternative.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your soup's presentation with fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or add a drizzle of cream for that extra touch of elegance.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your soup before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper to enhance the flavors, and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 283kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 73mg
