This easiest frozen pea soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with fresh flavor, even though I start with frozen peas. I love how quickly it comes together with simple ingredients and how nourishing it feels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it turns a bag of frozen peas into a flavorful and satisfying soup that tastes far fresher than it should. The onion, garlic, and thyme give it depth, while the potato adds creaminess without any heavy cream. I also enjoy adding spinach for extra greens, but it’s just as good without. It’s a fast, healthy meal I can make any time of year.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 diced yellow onion (about 1½ cups)
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
6 cups vegetable broth (see note 1)
1½ cups grated potato (see note 2)
2 lbs frozen peas (7 cups)
4 cups baby spinach (optional)
Black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- I start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- I add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- I stir in the garlic, thyme, and salt, cooking for another minute.
- I pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the grated potato. I let this simmer for 10 minutes, until the potato is tender.
- I add the frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes, just until heated through.
- If using, I stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Using an immersion blender, I puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- I season with black pepper to taste and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, so in about 30 minutes I have a warm bowl of soup ready to enjoy.
Variations
I sometimes swap the thyme for fresh dill or basil for a different flavor. If I want a richer soup, I stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream after blending. For extra protein, I’ve also added cooked lentils or chickpeas before blending. Leaving the soup a little chunky instead of fully pureed gives it a rustic texture that I really like.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup also freezes well for up to 2 months, and I reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra broth if it has thickened.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, I can use fresh peas when they’re in season. I just add them at the same point in the recipe as frozen peas.
Do I have to add the spinach?
No, I don’t. The spinach is optional and the soup tastes great without it.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it ahead and reheat it later. The flavors develop nicely after sitting.
What kind of potato works best?
I like using starchy potatoes like russets for extra creaminess, but any potato will work.
How do I make it thicker?
I let the soup simmer a little longer to reduce, or I add extra potato.
Can I make it thinner?
Yes, I just add a little more vegetable broth when blending until I get the texture I want.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, as written it’s completely vegan since I don’t use dairy or meat.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. I’ve added zucchini, celery, or even broccoli for extra variety.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes really well. I portion it into containers and reheat as needed.
What can I serve with pea soup?
I like serving it with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a simple salad on the side.
Conclusion
This easiest frozen pea soup is one of my go-to quick meals when I want something nourishing, flavorful, and satisfying without much effort. I love how versatile it is, and whether I keep it simple or dress it up with extra greens and herbs, it always hits the spot.
PrintEasiest Frozen Pea Soup
This easiest frozen pea soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with fresh flavor. Made with frozen peas, onion, garlic, and potato for natural creaminess, it’s a quick and nourishing soup ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced (about 1½ cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
6 cups vegetable broth
1½ cups grated potato
2 lbs frozen peas (about 7 cups)
4 cups baby spinach (optional)
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and salt, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and stir in grated potato. Simmer for 10 minutes, until potato is tender.
- Add frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes, just until heated through.
- If using, stir in spinach until wilted.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Season with black pepper to taste and serve hot.
Notes
Spinach is optional but adds extra greens and nutrients.
Swap thyme for dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
Add coconut milk or cream after blending for extra richness.
For more protein, add cooked lentils or chickpeas before blending.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg