Spring Pea and Leek Soup

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

A creamy, herb-infused soup made with tender peas, caramelized leeks, and a touch of cream for richness. This french-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs medium leeks, peas, medium onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 35 min Serves 4 French cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Halve 2 medium leeks and slice into 1/4-inch rings. Dice 1 medium onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, and grate 2 medium carrots.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, sauté leeks, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add carrots and 1 tsp thyme, cooking for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 12 oz peas and 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 20 minutes until peas are tender.
  4. Step 4: Puree the soup in a blender until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Spring 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 medium leeks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spring 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 Spring 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.

Is Spring Pea and Leek Soup vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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