I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Pea and Mint Soup. It was a cozy spring evening, and I was looking for something fresh yet comforting. I had a bag of frozen peas in the freezer and some mint growing in my garden. I was feeling adventurous, so I decided to give Jamie’s recipe a go. The combination of creamy peas and the refreshing zing of mint was a total game-changer for me. Ever since, it’s been a staple in my kitchen during those transitional seasons when you’re looking for something light but still hearty.
What I love about this soup is how simple it is to make yet how impressive it tastes. It’s the perfect dish when you want something that feels both homemade and a little special.
Jamie Oliver’s Pea And Mint Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s version of Pea and Mint Soup has a lovely balance of creamy and fresh. He uses a few basic ingredients but manages to turn them into something that feels like a little luxury. Here’s the recipe breakdown, with everything you need to make this vibrant soup:
Ingredients Needed
I’ve made this soup dozens of times, and each time I’ve noticed that the quality of the ingredients really does make a difference. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this fresh, herby delight to life:
- Frozen peas (I always use frozen because they’re so sweet and convenient)
- Fresh mint leaves (The mint adds a refreshing note and really brightens up the soup)
- Vegetable stock (You can use chicken stock too, but I like vegetable stock for a lighter base)
- Onion (For some sweetness and depth in the flavor)
- Garlic (Because garlic, right?)
- Olive oil (For sautéing)
- Salt & pepper (To season to taste)
- A squeeze of lemon juice (Adds that little zing to finish)
You might notice there’s nothing fancy here. It’s all about fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together quickly. That’s the beauty of this recipe!
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Pea And Mint Soup
The first time I made this soup, I was shocked at how easy it was. It was ready in under 30 minutes, but it tasted like something you’d order at a fancy café. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make it:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Chop the onion and garlic finely.
- Pick the mint leaves off the stems.
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- Heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking them until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add a pinch of salt to help draw out the flavors.
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Cook The Peas
- Pour in the frozen peas and stir them around for a minute or so.
- Add the vegetable stock and bring it all to a simmer.
- Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are tender.
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Blitz It Up
- Once the peas are soft, take the soup off the heat and add the fresh mint leaves.
- Use an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches) to blend the soup until smooth.
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Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and a few extra mint leaves if you like.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
What I love most about this recipe is how the ingredients play off each other. Here’s a little science behind a few key elements that make this soup so delicious:
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Peas
Peas are a powerhouse of nutrients. They contain protein, fiber, and antioxidants that help with digestion and overall health. When blended into soup, they break down into a creamy texture that feels rich without being heavy.
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Mint
Mint is refreshing, and it’s also got digestive benefits. It can help soothe stomach discomfort and provide a cooling effect. The oils in mint leaves are volatile, which means they release their full flavor when you cook with them or add them fresh, like in this soup.
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Lemon
A squeeze of lemon at the end may seem like an afterthought, but it really brightens the whole dish. The acidity balances the sweetness of the peas and adds that sharpness to the flavor profile, cutting through the richness.
Expert Tips
After making this soup so many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take it from good to great:
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Use Good Stock
The stock is the base of this soup, so it makes a huge difference. Opt for a high-quality vegetable or chicken stock (or homemade if you have it). It’ll give your soup a deeper, more savory flavor.
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Blend It Smooth
The texture is key. The smoother the soup, the creamier it feels. An immersion blender is the easiest way to get it velvety without transferring hot soup into a blender. But if you don’t have one, just let it cool down a bit before blending in batches.
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Mint Variety
You can use spearmint or peppermint, but I’ve found that spearmint has a milder, more delicate flavor that works better in this soup. If you’re using peppermint, go easy on the amount-it can be a little overpowering.
Recipe Variations
This soup is super versatile. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can mix it up in these ways:
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Add A Protein
You can toss in a handful of cooked chicken or crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor. Or, add a scoop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche to make it richer.
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Make It Spicy
Try adding a pinch of chili flakes or a small chopped green chili while sautéing the onion for a spicy kick.
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Swap The Peas
You can use other vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or even broccoli in place of peas for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust cooking times.
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Vegan Version
Skip the stock cube with any animal products and use coconut milk instead of cream for a more exotic flavor.
Final Words
Pea and Mint Soup is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes: fresh, simple, healthy, and just so delicious. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a lazy day and still impress everyone at the table. It’s also forgiving-if you don’t have one ingredient, you can usually substitute it with something else. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens and get a hearty, flavorful meal in less than 30 minutes.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Pea And Mint Soup?
To make Jamie Oliver’s pea and mint soup, you need peas, fresh mint, onion, garlic, vegetable stock, and olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic, add peas and stock, then cook. Blend everything until smooth and stir in chopped mint at the end.
Can I Use Frozen Peas For Jamie Oliver’s Pea And Mint Soup?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly. They’re easy to use and still give you that fresh, sweet flavor in the soup.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Pea And Mint Soup Take To Cook?
The soup should take about 20 to 30 minutes to prepare, including sautéing and simmering the peas. It’s a quick and simple recipe!