Today, I’m going to show you how to make Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup, a refreshing and easy dish that is perfect for any season.
What is Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup?
Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup is a recipe created by the renowned British cook and author, Mary Berry. She is famous for her simple and elegant dishes that are full of flavor and appeal to a wide range of tastes. She has written over 70 cookbooks and hosted several TV shows, including The Great British Bake Off.
Pea and mint soup is a classic British dish that is usually made with fresh or frozen peas, onion, garlic, stock, and mint. Some versions also add cream, butter, or lemon juice.
Mary Berry’s version of pea and mint soup is a light and healthy recipe that uses frozen petit pois, onion, garlic, olive oil, vegetable stock, and fresh mint. She also adds a touch of mint jelly to enhance the sweetness and aroma of the soup.
Why You Should Try Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup
There are many reasons why you should try Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup.
Here are some of them:
- It is quick and easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and a blender to make this soup. It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- It is nutritious. Peas are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, iron, and folate. They can help lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and boost immunity. Mint is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamin A, and manganese. It can help relieve indigestion, nausea, and headaches.
- It is delicious. The soup has a creamy and smooth texture from the peas. The mint adds a fresh and cooling flavor that balances the sweetness of the peas. The mint jelly adds a subtle hint of tanginess that complements the soup.
- It is versatile. You can serve this soup hot or cold, depending on the weather. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more or less stock. You can garnish it with different toppings, such as crème fraîche, yogurt, or chopped nuts.
Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup Ingredients
Here are the ingredients and steps you need to follow:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) frozen petit pois
- 850 ml (1½ pints) hot vegetable stock
- A large bunch of fresh mint
- 1-2 tbsp mint jelly
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method to Make Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft but not browned.
- Add the peas and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the peas are tender.
- Remove the leaves from the mint stalks and set them aside. Add the stalks to the pan and bring back to a boil. Cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the mint jelly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Discard the mint stalks and transfer the soup to a blender or use a stick blender to puree it until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pan and reheat gently if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with some chopped mint leaves.
- Enjoy your Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup!
Tips to Make the Best Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup
Here are some tips and tricks to make your Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup even better:
- You can use fresh or canned peas for this recipe. If using fresh ones, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the soup.
- You can also use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock for a richer flavor.
- You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- You can also make this soup in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Just add all the ingredients except the mint jelly to the pot and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes then quickly release any remaining pressure. Stir in the mint jelly and blend as usual.
Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup Nutrients
One serving of Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup (about 250ml) provides approximately:
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbs: 14 g
- Fiber: 5.7 g
- Sugar: 8.4 g
- Protein: 5.7 g
- Vitamin C: 105% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Folate: 37% of the DV
- Manganese: 22% of the DV
- Potassium: 15% of the DV
- Iron: 10% of the DV
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup:
Can I use fresh mint instead of mint jelly?
Yes, you can use fresh mint instead of mint jelly for this recipe. You can add about 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint to the soup after blending it. You can also adjust the amount of mint according to your taste preference.
How can I make the soup more creamy?
You can make the soup more creamy by adding some cream, milk, or yogurt to the soup after blending it. You can also use a potato masher or a fork to mash some of the peas before blending them for a thicker texture.
What can I serve with the soup?
You can serve the soup with some bread, crackers, or croutons. You can also make it a main course by adding some cooked chicken, ham, or bacon to the soup for extra protein and flavor.
How can I store the leftover soup?
You can store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Final Words
Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup is a delicious and easy recipe that you can make in no time. It is a great way to enjoy the health benefits and flavor of peas and mint. It is also a versatile dish that you can serve hot or cold, with different toppings and garnishes.
Try it today and let me know what you think!
