Nigella Pea and Mint Soup Recipe

Nigella Pea and Mint Soup is a fresh, vibrant, and beautifully simple soup that brings together sweet peas, fragrant mint, and a silky-smooth texture. It’s the kind of recipe you can make in minutes yet feels elegant enough for dinner parties or light lunches.
With its bright green colour, refreshing flavour, and minimal ingredients, this soup is perfect for spring and summer, though it works equally well as a warm comforting bowl in colder months. Since peas cook quickly and require very little prep, this dish is ideal when you want a nutritious meal without the effort.

What Exactly Is Nigella Pea and Mint Soup?

Nigella Pea and Mint Soup is a creamy, blended soup made from peas, fresh mint leaves, stock, and a touch of cream or butter. The mint enhances the natural sweetness of the peas, giving the soup a soothing, aromatic quality. Nigella’s style keeps things simple but indulgent—using everyday ingredients to create something beautifully balanced.

Other Popular Nigella Lawson Recipes

• Nigella Cauliflower Soup
• Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup
• Nigella Beetroot, Rhubarb and Ginger Soup

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Takes only 10 minutes – One of the quickest soups you’ll ever make.
• Packed with freshness – Mint brings a bright, cooling layer of flavour.
• Budget-friendly – Frozen peas create a gourmet soup with minimal cost.
• Smooth and velvety – Blends into a creamy texture without much effort.
• Suitable for all diets – Easily made vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.

Key Ingredients Needed for Nigella Pea and Mint Soup

• 500g frozen peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 750ml vegetable or chicken stock
• A small handful of fresh mint leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Splash of cream, yoghurt, or milk (optional for richness)

Equipments

• Large saucepan
• Blender (stick blender or jug blender)
• Knife and chopping board
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Instructions to Make Nigella Pea and Mint Soup

• Sauté the base – Cook onions (and garlic if using) in butter or oil until soft and fragrant.
• Add the peas – Tip in the frozen peas and stir to coat them in the onion mixture.
• Pour in stock – Add vegetable or chicken stock and bring everything to a gentle boil.
• Simmer briefly – Cook for 3–4 minutes until the peas are tender and bright green.
• Blend until smooth – Remove from heat, add fresh mint, and blend into a silky puree.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste and add salt, pepper, or a splash of cream to finish.

Common Mistakes I Made (And How I Fixed Each One)

• Soup tasting bland – Adding mint after cooking kept the flavour bright and fresh.
• Texture turning grainy – Blending a little longer made it perfectly smooth.
• Soup losing its green colour – Keeping the cooking time short preserved the vibrant colour.
• Mint overpowering the soup – Using a small handful instead of a large bunch fixed the balance.
• Soup becoming too thick – Adding extra stock thinned it to the ideal consistency.

Healthier Version of Nigella Pea and Mint Soup

• Swap butter for olive oil – Reduces saturated fat without losing flavour.
• Use light vegetable stock – Keeps the soup fresh and low-calorie.
• Skip the cream – Rely on blended peas for natural creaminess.
• Add spinach – Boosts nutrients and maintains the green colour.
• Top with herbs – Fresh parsley or dill adds extra vitamins and flavour.

What to Pair With Nigella Pea and Mint Soup

• Crusty bread slices – Perfect for dipping into the silky soup.
• Cheese toasties – Melts beautifully with the sweet pea flavour.
• Roasted potatoes – Gives a hearty contrast for a complete meal.
• Lemon-dressed salad – Adds a crisp, refreshing side.
• Garlic croutons – Adds crunch and savoury depth.

Pro Tips to Get Perfect Nigella Pea and Mint Soup Every Time

• Add mint at the end – Keeps flavour fresh and vibrant.
• Use frozen peas – They’re sweeter and more consistent than fresh peas.
• Blend thoroughly – Gives the soup a luxurious, velvety finish.
• Add cream sparingly – A small splash enhances richness without overpowering the peas.
• Season gradually – Peas can turn salty quickly, so balance carefully.
• Avoid overcooking – Longer cooking fades the green colour and flavour.
• Serve immediately – The bright colour is best when enjoyed fresh.

Easy Variations of Nigella Pea and Mint Soup

• Lemon-pea twist – Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Pea and basil – Swap mint for basil for an Italian flair.
• Creamy coconut version – Replace cream with coconut milk for a vegan option.
• Spicy pea soup – Add chili flakes for gentle heat.
• Pea and potato blend – Add boiled potatoes for extra thickness.
• Pea and spinach boost – Stir in spinach before blending.

How to Store Nigella Pea and Mint Soup the Right Way

• Use airtight containers – Keeps flavour intact for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Cool fully before storing – Prevents condensation and watery texture.
• Freeze the soup easily – This soup freezes very well for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with date – Helps track freshness.
• Store without cream – Add cream only when serving for better consistency.

The Best Ways to Reheat Nigella Pea and Mint Soup

• Gentle stovetop heating – Warm slowly over low heat to preserve colour.
• Microwave on medium – Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
• Reheat from frozen – Thaw overnight or reheat gently straight from frozen.
• Stir in fresh mint – Add a few fresh leaves after reheating to refresh the flavour.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: Depends on stock used

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FAQs

How do I keep the pea and mint soup bright green when cooking?

The key to keeping the soup bright green is to cook the peas for only a few minutes and avoid prolonged simmering. Adding the mint right at the end, just before blending, also helps maintain a fresh colour and prevents dullness.

Should I use fresh or frozen peas for Nigella pea and mint soup?

Frozen peas are ideal because they’re picked and frozen at peak freshness, giving a sweeter flavour and more vibrant colour. Fresh peas can be used, but they often require a slightly longer cooking time.

Why does my pea and mint soup taste bland?

A bland soup usually needs more seasoning or a handful of mint added right at the end. Using a good-quality vegetable or chicken stock also boosts flavour. If needed, a squeeze of lemon can brighten the taste instantly.

How do I make the texture of pea and mint soup smoother?

Blend the soup thoroughly using a stick blender or jug blender. If the soup still feels grainy, pass it through a fine sieve for an ultra-smooth, velvety finish.

Final Thoughts

Nigella Pea and Mint Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something wonderfully elegant. With its smooth texture, bright flavour, and incredibly quick cooking time, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weekdays, light lunches, or even as a sophisticated starter. It’s versatile, refreshing, and consistently delicious—an ideal soup to revisit throughout the year.