LEMONY PEA AND SPINACH SOUP

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Lemony Pea and Spinach Soup image

This verdant soup has nuance: Celery, leeks and vermouth provide grassy notes, just subtle enough so as not to obscure the delicate flavor of the peas. Bright and sunny - and hearty and comforting with the optional addition of pasta - it tastes like spring, but can be prepared perennially. Unlike many one-note blended pea soups, this one celebrates textures and flavors: Divide your soup across several bowls, then add a spoonful of pasta and a dollop of crème fraîche for bright tanginess. Because this light soup is vegetable-based, drizzle it with plenty of olive oil, for richness, and pile on as many fresh herbs as you can. Lemon zest is a garnish, but nonnegotiable for this dish to sparkle.

Provided by Alexa Weibel

Categories     soups and stews, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
2 medium leeks (about 1 pound), trimmed, white and green portions halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced and rinsed (about 4 packed cups)
2 celery stalks, trimmed and thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/4 cup vermouth or white wine
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups chicken stock
16 ounces frozen peas (about 3 3/4 cups) (see Tip)
5 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)
1/2 packed cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving
1 to 1 1/2 cups small shaped pasta, such as ditali or shells (optional), cooked (about 2 to 3 cups)
Crème fraîche, for serving
Chopped chives and torn fresh dill, for serving
1 lemon, for zesting

Steps:

  • In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium. Add the leeks and celery, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the vermouth and garlic, and cook until the liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil over high.
  • Once it comes to a boil, add the frozen peas and cook, stirring occasionally, just until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the spinach until wilted. Stir in the parsley.
  • Working in batches, transfer to a high-power blender and purée until creamy. (A food processor or immersion blender would work as well, though may take a little longer.) Return to the pot and season to taste with salt and pepper. (Makes about 12 cups.)
  • Divide among bowls. Add pasta, if using, then top with a dollop of crème fraiche. Drizzle generously - nay, recklessly! - with olive oil. Sprinkle with a pile of herbs; grate fresh lemon zest on top; and serve immediately.

Obiora Testimony
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I love the pop of color that the peas and spinach add to this soup. It's such a refreshing and flavorful dish.


rayan akreyi
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This soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's so quick and easy to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Akua Darkoa
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I've made this soup several times and it's always a hit. It's so easy to make and the flavors are amazing. I highly recommend it!


prophet besong
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This soup is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables for my picky eaters. They love the bright green color and the delicious flavor!


junaid noor
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I love how this soup freezes well. I often make a big batch and freeze it in individual portions for quick and easy meals.


Waseem sajjad Ghani
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This soup is so versatile. I've made it with different types of greens, such as kale and Swiss chard, and it's always delicious.


Kamora Gilbert
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I made this soup for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the bright and flavorful broth.


Goautom Nandy
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This soup is a great way to use up leftover peas and spinach. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables!


Milo Popoola
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I love the simplicity of this soup. It's easy to make and always turns out delicious. I often add some leftover chicken or tofu for extra protein.


Nicholas Morales
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So refreshing and delicious! The lemon and spinach are a perfect pair.


Abenathi Khuzwayo
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This was a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The soup was light and flavorful, and the lemon added a nice brightness. I will definitely be making this again!


keon lam
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Delicious and healthy! This soup is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.


Abdul Abrahams
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I'm not usually a fan of pea soup, but this one changed my mind. The lemon and spinach add a nice brightness and complexity. Definitely recommend!


Jeremiah Reed
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This soup is so simple but so delicious. The lemon and spinach really shine through. I will definitely be making this again.


lamis san
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Easy to make and so flavorful. I added some extra lemon zest and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. Turned out great!


John Ndichu
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Loved the bright, fresh taste of this soup. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.


Mogamad Zaid Losper
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This was one of the most delicious and refreshing soups I've ever had. The combination of lemon, peas and spinach was perfect. I will definitely be making this again!


Callie Reinhart
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Excellent spring soup. Fresh and flavorful!


Dominique Davis
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My family devoured this soup! The lemon and spinach add a nice brightness and the peas add a pop of sweetness. Definitely a keeper!


mk golap
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Loved this soup! Lots of flavor and so easy to make