This velvety soup is a perfect balance of rich creaminess and the fresh, green flavors of asparagus and peas. It’s comforting yet light, ideal for a cozy meal anytime. The soup’s smooth texture is complemented by a touch of coconut milk, adding depth and richness without being overwhelming.
It’s a quick, easy recipe that you can whip up with just a few simple ingredients. You can also make it in advance and reheat it for a fuss-free lunch or dinner. Whether served in a bowl with fresh herbs or topped with a drizzle of coconut milk, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and chopped
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1 cup frozen peas
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for non-vegan)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh lemon juice, to taste
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Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add the chopped asparagus and peas to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
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Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. (Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.)
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Stir in the coconut milk (or cream), and season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice to taste.
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Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Asparagus and Pea Soup: A Springtime Symphony in a Bowl
As the seasons transition and the chill of winter gradually gives way to spring’s renewal, our culinary desires naturally begin to shift as well. Hearty stews and rich casseroles are gently replaced with dishes that echo the brightness and vibrancy of spring produce. One such recipe that captures this transition exquisitely is the Creamy Asparagus and Pea Soup from Minimalist Baker. This dish doesn’t merely feed it uplifts, rejuvenates, and bridges the seasonal gap with green, velvety comfort.
A Celebration of Spring’s Bounty
At the heart of this recipe lie two springtime favorites: asparagus and peas. These vegetables are more than seasonal staples they symbolize freshness, fertility, and the natural return to light after months of dormancy. By placing them front and center, this soup becomes a canvas for celebrating nature’s bounty.
The choice of asparagus adds an earthy, slightly grassy note while contributing vital vitamins like A, C, and K. Peas, on the other hand, offer subtle sweetness and texture, balancing the more assertive asparagus flavor. Together, they create a vibrant green base that is as nourishing to the eye as it is to the body.
A Creamy Vegan Twist Without Dairy
A defining feature of this recipe is its creaminess achieved without the use of traditional dairy. Instead, unsweetened almond milk is used, offering a light, nutty backdrop that enhances the vegetables rather than overpowering them. This plant-based approach not only makes the soup vegan-friendly, but also lighter in calories and more digestible for many people with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities.
For those who seek richer alternatives, several community adaptations suggest light coconut milk or cashews as equally delightful dairy-free options. These substitutions not only add depth but also offer variations in taste and texture depending on personal preference.
Layers of Flavor: Garlic, Shallots, and Optional Enhancements
Although minimalist in ingredient count, this soup does not skimp on flavor. The base is enhanced with sautéed garlic and shallots, lending a savory, aromatic depth. The garlic offers bold pungency, while the shallots add a mild, slightly sweet undertone that complements the green vegetables seamlessly.
What sets this soup apart, however, is the inclusion of nutritional yeast and lemon juice both optional, but highly recommended by the recipe’s creator and community. Nutritional yeast brings a subtle “cheesy” flavor, a classic stand-in for Parmesan or Gruyère in vegan cooking. It deepens the umami and makes the soup feel heartier. The lemon juice, meanwhile, adds a pop of acidity that lifts the dish, brightening the flavors and making each spoonful more dynamic.
The Power of Simplicity
True to the ethos of Minimalist Baker, the soup requires only nine essential ingredients and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This simplicity is intentional and empowering, particularly for novice home cooks or those with limited time. It proves that cooking need not be complicated to be rewarding.
The approach invites creativity. Whether blending in roasted garlic, adding a touch of cayenne for spice, or topping the soup with fresh herbs like mint or parsley, the basic framework is versatile enough to accommodate personal touches.
Texture and Garnish: The Garlic Herb Crouton Bonus
Creamy soups, while comforting, can sometimes feel monotonous without texture variation. This recipe combats that by offering an optional yet much-loved garnish: garlic herb croutons. Crisped to perfection with olive oil and seasoned with dried herbs and garlic powder, they serve as the crunchy, flavorful counterpart to the smooth soup.
These croutons are more than just a garnish they elevate the entire eating experience. As the recipe creator admits, they are almost addictive. Some readers even claim to make the soup just as an excuse to indulge in these golden nuggets of crispy goodness.
If croutons aren’t your thing, the community offers other garnish ideas: crispy chickpeas, roasted asparagus tips, toasted almonds, or even a swirl of vegan parmesan cheese made from cashews and garlic. These additions introduce contrast in flavor and texture, allowing for a truly personalized bowl.
Versatility and Adaptability
Another strength of this soup is its versatility. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it suitable for both early spring nights and warm days. Chilling it turns it into a refreshing, gazpacho-style dish with bright, vegetal notes ideal for picnics or summer starters.
Leftovers are known to keep well for 3–4 days, and the soup can be frozen for up to a month. This makes it an excellent make-ahead option for meal prepping or for serving as an appetizer at larger gatherings. It can also easily be doubled or halved based on needs.
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and low-fat, checking a broad range of dietary boxes without sacrificing taste or indulgence. With only 143 calories per serving and around 9 grams of protein, it’s a soup that feels indulgent while aligning with wellness goals.
What the Community Says
The comment section on the original post is full of enthusiasm. Readers rave about the soup’s simplicity, flavor, and how it converts even those skeptical of green soups. Some highlight how they adapted it using pantry staples like frozen broccoli, edamame, or white beans in place of peas. Others added goat cheese or topped it with fresh lemon slices for a restaurant-quality presentation.
This level of engagement points to one of the recipe’s greatest assets: it serves as a foundation for creativity. It invites experimentation while providing a reliable base, and it rewards both first-time attempts and long-time kitchen pros alike.
Conclusion:
The Creamy Asparagus and Pea Soup from Minimalist Baker is far more than a seasonal recipe it’s a statement about the power of simple, plant-based ingredients to deliver flavor, comfort, and nourishment. It represents a mindful way of cooking, one that honors both nature’s rhythms and our desire for healthful indulgence.
Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, looking for a quick weeknight meal or a charming dinner party starter, this soup delivers. And while the recipe may come together in 30 minutes, its impression lingers far longer, echoing the sentiment that the best food is often the simplest.