Easy Pea Soup with Croutons

This vibrant, creamy pea soup with a crunchy crouton topping is perfect for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. The soup is packed with fresh or frozen peas, making it both light and filling, while the croutons add a lovely texture contrast. Whether you're serving it as a starter or a main, this recipe is quick, simple, and bursting with flavour!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
• 3 cups frozen or fresh peas
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cream
• 2 cups of croutons to top
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the diced potato to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the peas (reserve a handful for garnish, if desired) and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the peas are tender and heated through.
5. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender, blending until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just part of the soup.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and dried mint. Stir in the cream, if desired, for added richness and smoothness.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with croutons and garnish with a few whole peas and fresh mint leaves for added colour and freshness.

This pea soup with crouton topping is the perfect balance of creamy, savoury, and crunchy. Serve with a side of crusty bread for an extra comforting meal!

TOP TIP: This makes a great lunchtime lifesaver in the winter months, we take our soup in our Double Wall Stainless Steel Food Flask. Don't forget to preheat the flask with boiling water before adding food to ensure your soup stays hotter for longer!