Spring Pea Soup Crispy Turkey (Print Version)
A fresh springtime soup blending peas, tender potato, mint, and crispy turkey bacon in a creamy base.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
05 - 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced
06 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
07 - 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach (optional, for color)
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
→ Dairy
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional, for finishing)
→ Meats
10 - 4 slices turkey bacon
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances flavors)
→ Garnish
14 - Fresh mint leaves
15 - Extra cream or crème fraîche
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
03 - Add peas, diced potato, broth, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
04 - Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until crisp. Drain on paper towels and break into bite-sized pieces.
05 - Stir baby spinach and chopped mint into the soup. Simmer for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
06 - Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Purée the soup in batches using a blender or immersion blender until completely smooth.
07 - Stir in heavy cream or crème fraîche if using; adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top each with crispy turkey bacon, a swirl of cream, and fresh mint leaves.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The potato trick creates a velvety texture without adding tons of cream, making it lighter than you expect but still luxurious
- Something magical happens when fresh mint hits hot peas, a flavor combination that makes everyone ask seconds
02 -
- Never blend hot soup in a regular blender without venting it, or you will end up with green soup all over your ceiling and yourself
- The potato must be completely tender before blending or your soup will have an unpleasant grainy texture
03 -
- If your soup looks more gray than green, blend in a handful of fresh spinach or a single frozen pea until you reach the desired color
- A splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens all the flavors and makes the green color pop