English Pea and Leek Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, creamy soup featuring sweet English peas and fragrant leeks, finished with a touch of fresh mint. This french-inspired soups ready in about 30 minutes pairs shelled English peas, medium, white parts only diced leeks, tablespoons butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 French cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add 2 cups diced leek white parts and cook 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups shelled English peas and cook 2 minutes. Add 3 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10 minutes until peas are tender.
  3. Step 3: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and cook 2 more minutes until heated through, avoiding boiling.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does English Pea and Leek Soup take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover English Pea and Leek Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shelled english peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in English Pea and Leek Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale English Pea and Leek Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with English Pea and Leek Soup?

French soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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