Simmered Asparagus and Pea Soup
A light, vibrant soup simmered with fresh asparagus and peas, infused with garlic and thyme for a perfect spring meal. This american-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium yellow onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 118 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lb asparagus
- 1 cup peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook 5 minutes until soft. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus pieces and 1 cup peas. Stir 1 minute, then pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 1 sprig thyme. Simmer 15 minutes until asparagus is tender.
- Step 3: Discard thyme sprig. Blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Return to low heat and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 4: Simmer gently 3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Asparagus and Pea Soup take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Simmered Asparagus and Pea 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Asparagus and Pea 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 Simmered Asparagus and Pea 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 Simmered Asparagus and Pea Soup?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
