Green Pea Soup is packed with sweet green peas and spinach, and spiced up with jalapeños and cumin. It's gluten-free and vegan, and ultra creamy without any dairy. It also comes together quickly in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
This post was originally published in January 2018. It has been updated with new photos and text, including helpful tips for readers and stovetop instructions. The recipe has also been adjusted slightly.
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This one hits the spot with its creamy texture and spicy flavor. It definitely coats your insides. And there's nothing better than a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day!
Ingredients
- Frozen green peas
- Baby spinach
- Garlic
- Leek
- Jalapeño
- Veggie broth
- Fresh thyme
- Cumin
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to make spicy pea soup with frozen green peas
First, clean your leeks:
- They grow in soil and have a lot of hidden dirt. So, start by cutting off the root and the green leaves on top. You'll be left with the middle part which is a lighter green. Slice it in thin rounds and place the rounds in a bowl of water. Use your hands to break apart the rounds. You should see the dirt falling to the bottom of the bowl. Scoop out the leeks, leaving the water and dirt behind. Give them another rinse and you're good to go.
Instant Pot method:
- Add the oil, spinach, garlic, leek, jalapeño, salt, pepper and cumin to the Instant Pot and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the broth, peas and thyme, and stir to combine. Lock the lid in place, seal the valve and set to pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. (It will take about 10 minutes for pressure to build).
- When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure. Remove the sprigs of thyme and purée using a handheld or stand blender.
Stovetop method:
- Add the oil, spinach, garlic, leek, jalapeño, salt, pepper and cumin to a large pot and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the broth, peas and thyme. Stir together, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir the mixture a few times to ensure it doesn't burn onto the bottom of the pot.
- Remove the sprigs of thyme and purée using a handheld or stand blender.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use fresh peas in this recipe instead of frozen. I prefer to use frozen peas, however, as they are usually flash frozen at the peak of freshness so they are just as good or better than fresh peas. Fresh peas are also seasonal and sometimes hard to come by.
I haven't made this soup with canned peas, but I imagine it would have similar results. Keep in mind that you will need 5 ½ cups of peas, so it is probably more economical to buy a bag of frozen peas than multiple cans of peas. If you used canned, make sure they are no salt added peas.
The soup will take about 18 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. This includes 10 minutes for pressure to build, 3 minutes to cook and 5 minutes for quick release of pressure. The soup will take about 20 minutes on the stovetop, including 5 minutes to come to a boil and 15 minutes to simmer.
Store any leftover soup in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. If stored properly, it should last for 3-4 days.
Yes, since the soup doesn't contain dairy, you can freeze this soup. Just place the cooled soup in a freezer safe container and leave enough room at the top for the soup to expand. It should last for about 3 months in the freezer.
This soup can be re-heated in a sauce pan on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it was frozen, let it defrost in the refrigerator before re-heating.
Recipe tips
- This soup calls for no salt added vegetable broth. You can also use chicken broth if you don't need this soup to be vegetarian or vegan. If you use broth with salt added, just reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe.
- The soup isn't overly spicy, so if you like it a little spicier, try adding a full jalapeño or add the jalapeño with the seeds.
- You can purée this soup using a handheld immersion blender or stand blender. If it's a stand blender, make sure it's heat proof, or let the soup cool before blending. You may also need to purée the soup in batches.
- If you like your soup a little thinner, add more broth or even stir in a little unsweetened almond or cashew milk.
- There isn't much difference in the cook time between the Instant Pot and stovetop. I prefer the Instant Pot as you can seal the lid and let it cook without stirring it or worrying about the pot boiling over on the stove.
- To keep this soup gluten-free, make sure your broth and spices are certified gluten-free.
How to top this green pea soup
- Cheesy everything bagel croutons. One of my favorite toppings for soup, especially this one.
- Crispy chickpeas. I make them in the air fryer but you can also use store-bought.
- Savory pecan granola. A little sprinkle on soup adds a nice crunch and additional flavor.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Green Pea Soup (Instant Pot and Stovetop Options)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 large leek, root and top removed, chopped and cleaned
- ½ jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cups no salt added vegetable broth
- 1 bag no-salt added frozen sweet green peas, (750 grams or about 5 ½ cups)
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
Instant Pot method:
- Add the oil, spinach, garlic, leek, jalapeño, salt, pepper and cumin to the Instant Pot and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic doesn't burn. Add the broth, peas and thyme, and stir together.
- Lock the lid in place, seal the valve and set to pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. (It will take about 10 minutes for pressure to build).
- When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure. Remove the sprigs of thyme and purée using a handheld or stand blender.
Stovetop method:
- Add the oil, spinach, garlic, leek, jalapeño, salt, pepper and cumin to a large pot and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic doesn't burn.
- Add the broth, peas and thyme. Stir together and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn on the pot.
- Remove the sprigs of thyme and purée using a handheld or stand blender.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days, or freeze for later enjoyment.
Notes
- This soup calls for no salt added vegetable broth. You can also use chicken broth if you don't need this soup to be vegetarian or vegan. If you use broth with salt added, just reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe.
- The soup isn't overly salty or spicy. If you like it a little spicier, try adding a full jalapeño or add the jalapeño with the seeds. Once it's puréed, you can also add more salt, pepper and/or cumin to taste.
- You can purée this soup using a handheld immersion blender or stand blender. If it's a stand blender, make sure it's heat proof, or let the soup cool before blending. You may also need to purée the soup in batches.
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Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Pea soup is so good!! I love that you added a little spice to this one, too. Your pictures are great! The green against the grey is perfection. I'd love to make a double batch of this and freeze half for a chilly (and lazy) day!
Leanne says
Thanks Katherine! I always love to add a little spice!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
One of my favorites from growing up Leanne! I'll be making the stove top version, as I've still got to grab an Instant Pot. Looks delicious, just ilke Mom's!
Leanne says
Love to hear that. Thanks Mary Ann!
Marissa says
I love the buttery texture that leeks add to everything, Leanne. Fun to see them in this delicious soup! This needs to go on our winter menu for sure!
Leanne says
Thanks Marissa! I love the leeks in this soup too!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Such a lovely soup and full of such great flavours! Hope you are warm and hanging in there in NFLD! I live in what's known as the "snow belt" here in Ontario but we have nothing on you 🙂 Hoping you all get back to normal soon.
Leanne says
Thanks Jennifer! We're doing well. Just looking forward to spring already!
Milena says
All that green goodness! Love your fearless approach to piling up the flavors (cumin is happiness to me) and the color is gorgeous. I will definitely not be shy with the jalapenos:)
Leanne says
Thanks so much Milena! Cumin is much loved in our house too!
Christina says
I almost forgot to tell you, I tried this recipe on my stove top (with a few adaptions due to what I had on hand) and it was spectacular! Both the hubbers and I gobbled it down! This recipe WILL be made again!
Leanne says
Oh that's awesome Christina! So glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I love pea soup Leanne. Reminds me of growing up. My mother used to make it often during the winter! This looks soooo good! Those croutons look fabulous too!
Leanne says
Thanks Mary Ann! It's definitely a cozy soup fit for winter! And the croutons are my new favourite snack! 😉
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I am a huge fan of split pea soup and your everything bagel croutons take it over the top! This looks wonderful!
Leanne says
Thanks Annie! I can't imagine this soup without the croutons! 😉
puja says
This recipe is going to be a big hit in my family, my daughter loves soup. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful recipe. 🙂
Leanne says
Thanks Puja! I hope your family likes it. Let me know how it goes!
HeeJee says
This crouton idea is just genius! I love everything bagel seasoning, and just found another way to use it. Thank you for the inspo!
Leanne says
Thanks HeeJee! I'm a big fan of everything bagel seasoning too. Glad you like this crouton recipe!
marcie says
I got my Instant Pot in the fall and didn't really get around to using it until last month. I'm hooked now! I love all of the green goodness packed into this soup Leanne -- it sounds wonderful!
Leanne says
Thanks Marcie. I've only had my Instant Pot for a month, so I really need to spend some time experimenting with it more. As for this soup, it's definitely packed with lots of greens! Happy Sunday!
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
I love that color!!! I have tried a pea soup before and hated it..But this, this sound so yummy to me! I want to try this real soon! I am glad that I can use frozen peas in this, which makes it super convenient. And I love those croutons on the top!
Leanne says
Thanks Deepika! The frozen peas really make this soup quick and convenient. Hope you get a chance to try it! Be sure to let me know if you do.
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Pea soup gets a bad rap for its colour - but it is SO good. I love this spicy version!! And those croutons? This is lunch perfection, Leanne!!
Leanne says
Thanks Katherine! I totally agree. Pea soup is often passed over because of its colour, but who can resist when you add a pile of those croutons on top!? 😉
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Such a nutritious soup, Leanne, and the croutons are definitely not optional, in my opinion. I eat those straight off the sheet pan like potato chips, lol. You do that too???
I have the original Instant Pot, lol, It's a Breville 6 in one unit with pressure cooker, slow cooker and all that stuff. I love using mine in pressure cooker mode for quickly cooking proteins. So convenient! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!!
Leanne says
Oh yes, I've totally snacked on the croutons right off the pan! I couldn't resist! I've mostly used my Instant Pot in pressure cooker mode, but haven't experimented much with the other modes yet. It can make yogurt apparently, so perhaps I'll give that a try! 😉 Happy weekend to you too, Dawn!
Christina says
P.S. GORGEOUS photos too!
Leanne says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Christina says
My husband's not convinced the Instant Pot cooks food that quickly. I can't WAIT to show him this delicious recipe as more proof I need an IP in my life! I've had split pea soup hundreds of times in my life, but I've never eaten spicy-sweet green pea soup before! Since I'm not on the IP bandwagon yet I'll have to adapt this recipe for the stovetop because it looks incredible! Pinning!
Leanne says
Thanks Christina! This recipe is quick and easy to make on the stove top too! I hope you like it! Let me know how it goes.
Lisa | Tiny Kitchen Capers says
This soup looks so delicious! I love that you can use frozen peas, very convenient. And those croutons! I could eat those as a snack!
Leanne says
Thanks Lisa! Yes, I love the convenience of frozen peas too! And the croutons are totally perfect for snacking! 😉
Marilyn Combden says
Sounds yummy
Leanne says
Thank you!!