Nigella Lawson's Pea and Pesto Soup is the perfect blend of simplicity and bold flavor, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet elegant meal. This vibrant soup starts with sweet, tender frozen peas cooked in a base of rich vegetable stock, then elevated with a generous swirl of pesto for a hit of herby indulgence. With just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, this recipe transforms pantry staples into a velvety, restaurant-worthy dish. Optional additions like heavy cream lend extra richness, while a drizzle of olive oil adds a gourmet touch. Naturally satisfying and brimming with vibrant green hues, this soup is a wonderful option for a cozy dinner or an impressive starter. Perfect for fans of Nigellaβs signature ease and flavor-forward dishes, this recipe is a must-try for soup lovers!
Pour the vegetable stock into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Add the frozen peas directly into the boiling stock. Allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender and vibrant green.
Remove the pot from the heat and transfer the pea and stock mixture to a blender. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overfilling.
Add the pesto to the blender and blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Return the soup to the pot and reheat gently over low heat. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
For an extra creamy texture, stir in the heavy cream if desired. Mix well and heat for an additional minute.
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil for a finishing touch.
Calories |
1330 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.8 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.9 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 49 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 5075 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.6 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.3 g | 137% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.4 g | ||
| Protein | 52.4 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 457 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 3158 mg | 67% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.