Pea and Spinach Soup with Coconut Milk

Pea and Spinach Soup with Coconut Milk
Pea and Spinach Soup with Coconut Milk
Peas are just as good with curry spices and coconut milk as they are with fresh herbs. I especially like to make this soup, which includes spinach, when it’s hard to gather enough peas for a pure pea soup. The pea flavor still comes through nicely.
  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Served Person: 0
contains white meat tree nut free nut free gluten free red meat free shellfish free contains dairy
  • freshly ground white pepper
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt more to taste
  • 1 tbs. unsalted butter
  • 2 large leeks (white parts plus the pale green) quartered and sliced to yield 2 cups (or 2 cups chopped scallions or 2 cups thinly sliced white onion)
  • 2 tbs. white basmati rice
  • 2 tsp. curry powder
  • 4 sprigs fresh cilantro more for garnish
  • 4 cupsâ vegetable stockâ or homemade or low-salt chickenâ broth
  • 1-1/2 to 2 lb. peas shucked (to yield 1-1/2 to 2 cups)
  • 4 cups lightly packed coarsely chopped spinach leaves any thick stems removed
  • 7 oz. coconut milk (half a can or about 1 cup)
  • Carbohydrate 5.70914721834454 g
  • Cholesterol 30.53 mg
  • Fat 11.7496272221873 g
  • Fiber 0.876988894384685 g
  • Protein 0.907183332961928 g
  • Saturated Fat 7.32823094443727 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 recipe (49g)
  • Sodium 1216.52298888797 mg
  • Sugar 4.83215832395985 g
  • Trans Fat 0.860780777775573 g
  • Calories 129 calories

Pea and Spinach Soup with Coconut Milk: A Creamy Delight

This pea and spinach soup with coconut milk is a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that I've perfected over the years. It's a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create a truly satisfying and delicious meal. I’ve always loved the versatility of peas; their delicate sweetness complements so many flavors. In this recipe, the subtle heat of curry powder beautifully enhances the inherent sweetness of the peas, while the creamy coconut milk adds a luscious richness that’s simply irresistible. The addition of spinach provides a boost of nutrients and a vibrant green hue, creating a visually appealing dish as well.

What makes this soup particularly appealing to me, and I hope to you as well, is its adaptability. It's a fantastic option on those days when fresh produce isn’t in abundance. Even when I don't have enough peas for a full-fledged pea soup, this recipe ensures a hearty and flavorful meal. The peas still hold center stage, but the spinach contributes a satisfying texture and adds another layer of depth. I often find myself making this soup on busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup and most importantly, tastes incredible. The vibrant green color from the spinach makes it beautiful enough to be served at a dinner party, yet it's also simple enough for a comforting weeknight meal.

A Touch of Culinary Adventure: The beauty of cooking lies in its ability to transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. This soup is a testament to that principle. The simple combination of peas, spinach, and coconut milk, infused with aromatic curry powder, creates a flavor profile that's both exotic and familiar. I encourage you to experiment with different types of curry powder to find your perfect balance of heat and flavor. A touch of fresh cilantro brightens the soup’s flavor and adds a beautiful pop of color. You could experiment with different spices, too, such as cumin or ginger, to create your signature twist on this recipe.

Beyond the Recipe: Cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it’s a journey of sensory exploration. I approach each dish with a spirit of creativity and mindfulness, savoring the process as much as I do the final result. This soup recipe embodies this philosophy, encouraging a sense of playful experimentation in the kitchen. The simple steps allow you to focus on the flavors and textures, creating a connection between the ingredients and the final product. The beautiful vibrant color of the soup and the freshness of the cilantro add an aesthetic appeal that makes even the simplest meal feel special. And the wonderful creamy texture is just a bonus.

From My Kitchen to Yours: I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me. Share it with friends and family, and let me know how your version turns out. Cooking is a shared experience, a way to connect with others through a universal language of flavors and aromas. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and prepare to be amazed by the simple yet extraordinary flavors of this pea and spinach soup with coconut milk. It's a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, just as it has become one of mine.

Step-by-step

    • Soak the leeks in a bowl of cold water to remove any grit.
    • Meanwhile, in a soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the rice.
    • Scoop the leeks from the water, shaking off excess, and add them to the pot along with the curry powder, salt, cilantro, and 1 cup of the stock or broth.
    • Cook over medium-low heat at a vigorous simmer for about 12 min, so the rice is almost done.
    • Add the remaining 3 cups stock or broth, the peas, and the spinach and bring to a boil.
    • Boil for about 3 minutes.
    • Turn off the heat and stir in the coconut milk.
    • In a blender or a food processor, puree the soup in batches until smooth (vent the lid and hold a folded dishtowel over the lid).
    • Taste for salt, season with white pepper, and serve, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
    • (If you prefer a soup with more texture, puree 1 cup and return it to the pot, season, garnish, and serve.)