Pea soup with cream cheese

Pea Soup with Cream Cheese

A soup that combines the sweet taste of peas with the freshness of citrus and the creaminess of cheese is an excellent choice for a nourishing and comforting meal. This pea soup with cream cheese is not just a simple recipe, but also an explosion of flavors that will delight the taste buds of the whole family. Moreover, it is an excellent option for vegans or vegetarians, and those who need to monitor their caloric intake will find it a healthy choice.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 800 ml milk
- 2 sprigs of fresh mint
- 2 sprigs of fresh tarragon
- 1 can (800 gr) peas with carrots, well drained
- 150 ml fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt with herbs
- Sea salt to taste
- 250 gr cream cheese
- 40 gr cornstarch dissolved in 50 ml cold water

Preparation:

1. Preparing the flavors: In a large pot, pour the milk and add the mint and tarragon sprigs. These herbs will give the soup a note of freshness and a delightful aroma. Cover the pot and place it over medium heat until the milk starts to boil.

2. Adding the main ingredients: Once the milk has boiled, remove the lid and add the peas and carrots from the can. These vegetables are already cooked, so you just need to heat them. Let them simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

3. Flavoring with citrus: Add the fresh orange juice to the pot. This will not only enhance the flavor of the soup but also add a note of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the peas. Let it simmer for another minute, stirring gently.

4. Blending the soup: Remove the pot from the heat and pour the contents into a blender. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth and creamy soup. If you don’t have a blender, you can use an immersion blender, which is equally effective.

5. Reheating the soup: Put the blended soup back into the pot over heat. Add the sea salt with herbs and, if desired, a little plain sea salt to taste. Stir well to combine the flavors.

6. Incorporating the cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add a few tablespoons of hot soup to thin it out, then pour the cheese mixture into the pot. Mix well so that the cheese integrates perfectly into the soup.

7. Thickening the soup: In another bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 50 ml of cold water. Add this mixture to the soup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the soup cook for a few minutes until it becomes thicker.

8. Serving: The pea soup with cream cheese is perfect served plain, but you can pair it with slices of toasted bread or flavored croutons. You can garnish it with a few fresh mint leaves for a pleasant look.

Practical tips:

- Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh herbs to achieve an intense flavor. If you can’t find fresh mint or tarragon, you can use dried versions, but reduce the quantities.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the milk with almond or soy milk for a vegan option.
- Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more cornstarch, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid changing the soup's texture.

Nutritional benefits:

This soup is rich in vitamins due to the vegetables, and the cream cheese adds a good source of protein. The orange juice provides an additional boost of vitamin C, which is essential for immunity.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh peas instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use fresh peas, but you will need to boil them beforehand until they become soft.

2. How can I store the soup?
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat it well before serving.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
- You can add boiled potatoes for a heartier soup or other vegetables like celery or leeks for an extra flavor.

Delicious combinations:

This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a savory vegetable tart. As for drinks, a refreshing lemonade or a light white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Experiment with this pea soup with cream cheese recipe and turn every meal into a special occasion. Surely, each spoonful will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 800 ml milk, 2 sprigs of mint, 2 sprigs of tarragon, 1 can (800 g) peas & carrots, drained, 150 ml fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon sea salt with herbs, plain sea salt to taste, 250 g cream cheese, 40 g cornstarch dissolved in 50 ml cold water.