California Pizza Kitchen Pea Soup Recipe

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has long been renowned for its creative fusion of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. While most people associate CPK with their innovative pizzas, there’s one hidden gem on their menu that deserves some serious attention: their pea soup. This dish is an unexpected but delightful twist on the classic soup, offering a rich, velvety texture and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor from fresh peas. It’s an all-around comforting and nourishing option, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

In this article, we’re diving deep into how you can recreate this California Pizza Kitchen Pea Soup at home. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from gathering the right ingredients to cooking tips and recipe variations that’ll elevate this dish even further. By the end, you’ll be able to prepare a bowl of pea soup that rivals the famous CPK version, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

California Pizza Kitchen Pea Soup Recipe

When you take a bite of this soup, it’s like being wrapped in a warm, creamy blanket of flavor. This pea soup is smooth and luxurious, yet light enough to be satisfying without feeling heavy. The balance of flavors-earthy peas, a hint of sweetness, and savory undertones-makes it the perfect dish for any season.

Here’s how to make a version of CPK’s pea soup, with a few tips and tricks to make it your own.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients for CPK’s pea soup are simple, but each one plays a vital role in achieving that signature taste. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Frozen or Fresh Peas (about 3 cups) – Frozen peas work just as well as fresh ones for this recipe. They are both affordable and easy to work with. If you can find fresh peas, they will add an extra burst of freshness to the dish.
• Vegetable Broth (4 cups) – Use a high-quality vegetable broth to enhance the depth of flavor. If you want a richer taste, you can opt for chicken broth, but the vegetable version will keep it plant-based.
• Onions (1 medium, diced) – Onions are key for the base flavor. They provide a slight sweetness and help to round out the taste.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Garlic adds a savory element and really complements the peas.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – This will be used to sauté the onions and garlic. Olive oil’s mild taste won’t overpower the soup.
• Butter (2 tablespoons) – Butter gives the soup a creamy richness and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with peas.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup) – To achieve that velvety texture that’s so characteristic of CPK’s pea soup, cream is essential. It’s what makes the soup smooth and indulgent.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste) – These are crucial for seasoning the soup. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as you go.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors and balances the creaminess.
• Fresh Mint or Basil (optional) – These herbs provide a fresh, aromatic kick. Mint works especially well in pea soup, but basil can be a nice twist.
• Chopped Bacon or Ham (optional) – For a smoky, savory touch, adding bacon or ham makes the soup feel heartier.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a bowl of CPK-inspired pea soup.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

   • If you’re using fresh peas, blanch them first by boiling them for about 2-3 minutes in salted water, then quickly transferring them to ice water. This will preserve their bright green color and freshness.
   • Dice your onion and garlic, and set them aside. If you’re using bacon or ham, chop them into small pieces for a garnish at the end.

2. Sauté The Onions And Garlic

   • Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onions.
   • Sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.

3. Add The Peas And Broth

   • Add the peas to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
   • Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the peas to soften and absorb the flavors of the broth.

4. Blend The Soup

   • Once the peas are soft, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
   • If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Finish The Soup

   • Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it heat through.
   • For an optional final touch, you can add chopped mint or basil to infuse an herbal freshness into the soup.

6. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, top with crispy bacon or ham for a savory crunch, and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or basil.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s why these ingredients are so important:

• Peas: The star of the show. Peas are naturally sweet and provide an earthy base flavor. They are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, and fiber.
• Broth: The broth serves as the liquid foundation, layering the flavor and ensuring that the peas have something to cook in.
• Heavy Cream: It’s the secret to achieving that luscious, silky texture. The cream enriches the soup without overpowering the pea flavor.
• Garlic and Onion: These two are the flavor enhancers. Onions provide a sweet depth, and garlic gives the soup its aromatic base.
• Lemon Juice: A dash of acidity brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding balance.

Expert Tips

• Herbs Matter: Fresh mint is a game-changer in pea soup. The refreshing, slightly sweet flavor of mint brings out the natural sweetness in peas. If mint isn’t your thing, basil is a fantastic substitute for a savory twist.
• Blending Tip: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the soup after blending. This helps eliminate any stubborn pieces of peas or skin.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick after blending, just add a little more broth or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add cooked bacon or diced ham. It gives the soup an extra savory layer and is a perfect pairing with the creamy texture.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways you can personalize this pea soup recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegan Version: Swap out the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan butter. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
• Spicy Pea Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small chopped chili to the soup while it’s simmering for a subtle heat. It’s an unexpected twist that pairs wonderfully with the creamy peas.
• Pea and Potato Soup: Add a couple of diced potatoes for a heartier texture. The potatoes will blend smoothly and give the soup more body.

Final Words

This pea soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser-comforting, nourishing, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to recreate the classic California Pizza Kitchen version or add your own twist, this recipe provides a solid foundation for experimenting.