Imagine a soup that transports you to the lush countryside of France with just one taste – our Fresh Broad Bean and Mint Soup is that magical culinary journey! Bursting with the bright, green flavors of seasonal broad beans and aromatic mint, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this soup promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broad beans, shelled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the broad beans by removing them from their pods. If the beans are large, you may want to blanch and remove their outer skin for a more tender texture.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add the shelled broad beans to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the broad beans are tender and easily mashed.
- Remove the pan from heat and add most of the fresh mint leaves, reserving a few for garnish.
- Using an immersion blender or transferring to a standard blender, purée the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a standard blender, work in batches and be careful with the hot liquid.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Reheat the soup gently if needed, ensuring it's hot but not boiling.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with the reserved fresh mint leaves.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of crème fraîche for added richness.
Tips
- Bean Preparation Matters: For the smoothest texture, blanch large broad beans and remove their outer skin. This extra step ensures a velvety, tender soup.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest broad beans and mint you can find. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the soup's flavor profile.
- Blending Technique: When puréeing, work in small batches if using a standard blender, and always remove the center lid piece and cover with a towel to prevent hot liquid splashes.
- Flavor Boosters: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a zesty note.
- Garnish with Flair: Reserve some whole mint leaves for a beautiful, fresh garnish that adds both visual appeal and an extra burst of herb flavor.
- Temperature Control: Reheat gently to maintain the soup's smooth consistency and prevent separation of ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
