Creamy White Pea & Lemon Soup
A luxuriously creamy and comforting vegan soup, featuring the natural richness of white peas, brightened by a zesty lemon finish and fresh dill. It's a high-fiber, wholesome meal that feels indulgent.
For 6 servings
**Soak Peas:** Rinse dried white peas thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl, cover with at least 4 cups of cold water, and soak for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight. Alternatively, for a quick soak, bring peas and water to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse well before use.
**Sauté Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
**Combine & Simmer:** Drain the soaked peas and add them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the peas are very tender and easily mashable. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
**Blend Until Smooth:** Carefully transfer the soup to a high-speed blender (working in batches if necessary) or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. When using a stand blender for hot liquids, ensure the lid is vented and covered with a kitchen towel to prevent pressure buildup.
**Finish & Serve:** Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a stand blender). Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a thin lemon slice, if desired. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Don't Skip Soaking:** Soaking white peas significantly reduces cooking time and helps them break down more easily, resulting in a smoother, creamier soup. It also aids in digestibility.
- 2**Achieve Ultimate Creaminess:** For the smoothest texture, use a high-speed blender. If using an immersion blender, blend for several minutes, moving it around the pot to ensure all peas are fully pureed.
- 3**Adjust Consistency:** If the soup is too thick after blending, add a little more vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce slightly.
- 4**Fresh Herbs are Key:** The fresh dill and lemon juice are not just garnishes; they are essential for the soup's bright, fresh flavor profile. Add them at the very end to preserve their vibrancy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky Flavor
Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika along with the garlic for a subtle smoky depth, or a pinch of liquid smoke to the broth.
Herb SwapHerb Swap
Instead of dill, try fresh parsley, chives, or a mix of both for a different aromatic profile. A touch of fresh mint can also be surprisingly delicious.
Added VegetablesAdded Vegetables
For extra nutrients and flavor, add a chopped celery stalk or a diced potato along with the onions and carrots.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
White peas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Plant-Based Protein
As a legume, white peas provide a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions, making this soup a satisfying vegan meal.
Packed with Vitamins & Minerals
This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals from the peas, carrots, and other vegetables, including Vitamin K, folate, manganese, and Vitamin A, supporting bone health, energy metabolism, and vision.
Frequently asked questions
No, this recipe specifically calls for dried white peas (also known as dried cannellini beans or great northern beans) which break down to create the creamy texture. Frozen green peas will not yield the same result.
