If you’re looking for a refreshing and light dish to serve on a warm summer day, look no further than this Chilled Pea Soup with Shrimp recipe. Made with fresh peas and topped with succulent shrimp, this soup is as delicious as it is beautiful.
To make the soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add in the peas and vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the peas are tender.
Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to a blender and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding salt and pepper to taste. Place the soup in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
In the meantime, prepare the shrimp by marinating them in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque.
To serve, ladle the chilled pea soup into bowls and top with a few cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped fresh mint or dill for added freshness and flavor. This Chilled Pea Soup with Shrimp recipe is a perfect starter or light lunch option for those hot summer days, and is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant color and delicious taste.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this Chilled Pea Soup with Shrimp are:
- Peas: The star of the soup, sweet peas bring a burst of freshness and vibrant green color to the dish. You can use fresh or frozen peas, depending on your preference and availability.
- Shrimp: Adding a touch of seafood goodness to the soup, shrimp pairs perfectly with the sweet peas. Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Mint: Fresh mint leaves lend a refreshing and aromatic flavor to the soup. It adds a cool, herbal note that beautifully complements the sweetness of the peas and the shrimp.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a savory base for the soup. They add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The broth serves as the liquid base for the soup, providing a savory and rich flavor. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for a heartier taste.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a tangy and bright note to the soup, balancing the sweetness of the peas and shrimp.
In addition to these key ingredients, you may also need some olive oil, salt, and pepper to season the soup according to your taste. Now that you know the essential components of this Chilled Pea Soup with Shrimp, you can gather them and get ready to create a refreshing and delicious dish.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a delicious chilled pea soup with shrimp:
- Cook the shrimp:
- Sauté the onions and garlic:
- Add the peas and broth:
- Blend the soup:
- Chill the soup:
- To serve:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, drain the shrimp and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the frozen peas and vegetable broth to the saucepan with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, carefully purée the soup until smooth. Add more broth or water if needed to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the soup to a bowl and cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the soup is well-chilled.
Divide the chilled soup among bowls. Top each bowl with some of the cooked shrimp. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Tips and Variations
1. Adding Herbs and Spices:
Experiment with different herbs and spices to add depth to your chilled pea soup. Some popular options include fresh mint, basil, dill, or even a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a hint of heat. The choice of herbs and spices will depend on your personal taste and preference.
2. Garnishing Options:
When serving the chilled pea soup with shrimp, consider various garnishing options to add texture and visual appeal. Some common garnishes include a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as chives or parsley, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a dollop of crème fraîche for added creaminess.
Additionally, you can add some extra toppings like crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or even crispy bacon bits for an added flavor boost. The garnishes can be placed directly on top of the soup or arranged on a separate plate for guests to customize their bowls.
3. Substituting Shrimp:
If you prefer to use a different protein in your chilled pea soup, feel free to substitute the shrimp with other seafood like cooked crab or lobster meat. You can also go for vegetarian options and use roasted vegetables or tofu for a plant-based alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the chosen protein or substitute.
4. Serving Temperature:
Although the name implies a chilled soup, you can also serve the pea soup slightly warm. The choice of temperature depends on your personal preference and the desired dining experience. If serving the soup warm, be aware that the shrimp may cool down quickly, so it’s best to add them just before serving to maintain their temperature and texture.
By considering these tips and variations, you can personalize the chilled pea soup with shrimp to suit your taste and make it a standout dish for any occasion.
