LEMONY PEA AND SPINACH SOUP

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

Previous Next

Ingredients

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.

*** Explore more Lemony Pea And Spinach Soup Recipes »

Comment
Leave a comment

Obiora Testimony

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

Goautom Nandy

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

Abenathi Khuzwayo

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

Abdul Abrahams

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

lamis san

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

Mogamad Zaid Losper

[email protected]

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!