I’ve got to tell you about this fan-freaking-tastic Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe that’s become my go-to for a cozy night in, especially around Halloween or whenever I want something vibrant and comforting. This soup is not just a stunning green color that pops on your table but also packed with flavor and texture that will surprise you. Once you try it, you’ll see why everyone, including my family, is crazy for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant, Naturally Green Color: The combination of green peas and baby spinach creates an eye-catching emerald hue that delights the senses before the first sip.
- Easy and Quick to Make: Just about 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a last-minute dinner or cozy lunch.
- Unique Mushroom Garnish: Add a little Halloween magic with the “skull mushrooms” I discovered to make this soup extra special and fun!
- Comforting and Healthy: Loaded with veggies, fiber, and vibrant flavors, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing fresh and quality ingredients really elevates this Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe. The peas create the heart of the soup’s sweetness, while potatoes and spinach balance creaminess and freshness. Mushrooms add a savory depth that completes the flavor perfectly.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil—it adds richness and layers of flavor, especially in the sautéing steps.
- Onion: I prefer yellow onions for their mild sweetness that caramelizes nicely.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that fragrant base; never skip it!
- Potatoes: Diced small so they cook quickly and help make the soup creamy when blended.
- Frozen green peas: I find frozen peas actually have better flavor than fresh sometimes, plus they’re super convenient.
- Baby spinach: Adds a pop of green and nutritional goodness without overpowering.
- Ground pepper & salt: Season carefully to enhance the natural flavors.
- Vegetable stock: This is the liquid gold for your soup’s base; I like homemade if possible, but store-bought works great too.
- Mushrooms: White or brown mushrooms both work, and I love mixing the two for color contrast, especially when crafting the skull garnish.
- Heavy cream or coconut milk (for garnish): Adds a silky finish that’s utterly indulgent.
- Micro rainbow mix, peas, black pepper, crushed red pepper (optional): These garnishes brighten up the bowl and add layers of texture and flavor.
Variations
I love to let this Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe be a canvas for creativity. Whether you need to make it vegan, want to sneak in some extra greens, or need a lighter version, there’s always a way to tweak it and make it yours.
- Vegan Variation: Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream to keep it dairy-free but still creamy and rich.
- Mushroom-Free: If mushrooms aren’t your thing, just omit them or add sautéed leeks or crispy shallots instead for that savory crunch.
- Extra Herbs: I once threw in fresh thyme and dill which added a lovely herbal note and it was an instant hit with friends.
- Spicy Kick: Crushed red peppers or a swirl of hot sauce on top can heat things up beautifully.
How to Make Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Potatoes
Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes. Stir frequently — about every minute — to prevent sticking. Cook until the onions are translucent and the potatoes start to soften, usually around 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base and ensures your potatoes blend into a silky texture later on. Don’t rush it, because this is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Add the Green Goodness
Once your potatoes are semi-soft, toss in the frozen green peas, a handful of baby spinach, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together for about a minute to let the spinach start wilting and the peas warm through. Then pour in 3 cups of vegetable stock. Crank up the heat until it boils, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 10-15 minutes until all the veggies are tender and ready for blending.
Step 3: Blend to Lush Perfection
Here’s a trick I discovered: use an immersion blender right in the pot for easy clean-up and to get that gloriously smooth and creamy texture. Blend until no lumps remain and the soup looks bright and velvety. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too, just blend in batches and be careful with the hot liquid. Once blended, return the soup to medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil for that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
Step 4: Create the Iconic Mushroom Garnish
While your soup simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of sliced white or brown mushrooms, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon salt, and sauté for about a minute without flipping too often—this helps them keep their shape. Then add 1 cup of vegetable stock and cook until the mushrooms are soft but still hold their “skull” shape. If you want to get fun with it, cut mushroom halves and carve out eye and nose holes with a small piping tip or straw, then make slits on the stem like little teeth. It’s such a conversation starter!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish with Flair
Ladle the rich green soup into bowls, and swirl in a little heavy cream or coconut milk for contrast. Sprinkle with a micro rainbow mix, a handful of fresh peas, ground black pepper, and crushed red peppers if you like heat. Top with your spooky, sautéed mushrooms. Voilà — you’ve got a bowl of Witches Brew that’s as delicious as it is enchanting!
Pro Tips for Making Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Mushrooms: Sauté briefly and add stock early to keep their shape—no one wants soggy “skulls.”
- Blend Hot Soup Carefully: Use a lid with a vent when blending in batches to avoid splashes and burns.
- Adjust Thickness: If your soup seems too thick after blending, add a splash more stock to loosen it to your liking.
- Save Some Peas for Garnish: Stir in a handful of reserved peas at the end or sprinkle raw peas on top for a fresh pop.
How to Serve Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe
Garnishes
I actually love swirling in a little heavy cream or creamy coconut milk for that luscious finish. The micro rainbow salad mix adds crunch and eye-catching color, and don’t skip the crunchy sautéed “skull” mushrooms — they’re so fun and make the soup feel festive and extra special. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper gives a nice background heat if you’re into a little spice.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, like a sourdough baguette or garlic toast for dunking. For a heartier meal, a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts work really well and keep things light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
One Halloween, I served this soup in black matte bowls with edible flowers and a drizzle of cream in a spiderweb pattern. It was a real hit! You could also serve it in mini pumpkin bowls for a super festive look that delights guests from the first glance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days — each bowl tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded a bit more.
Freezing
This Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe freezes beautifully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. When thawed, the texture stays creamy if you gently reheat it and stir well.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a splash of stock or water to loosen it up. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture and flavor but it works fine for convenience!
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for this Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peas work wonderfully when in season and add a beautiful sweetness. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the soup to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
-
Is there a way to make the soup creamier without dairy?
Definitely! Coconut milk is a fantastic dairy-free option and complements the peas’ sweetness perfectly. Alternatively, you can blend in soaked cashews before pureeing for a creamy texture without dairy.
-
How do I create the skull-shaped mushrooms?
After cleaning and halving your mushrooms, use a small piping tip or a straw to poke out eye holes. Make two small slits for a nose and additional slits along the stem to mimic teeth. Sauté gently so they keep their shape and spooky vibe!
-
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for parties?
Yes! I often make this soup a day ahead to let the flavors develop. Just reheat slowly and add fresh garnishes right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Witches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day — vibrant, flavorful, and just a touch magical. I started making it for Halloween dinners and quickly found myself craving it year-round. It’s simple enough for weekday dinners but special enough to impress guests. If you want a dish that’s both fun and satisfying, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll fall in love just like I did!
PrintWitches Brew (Green Pea Soup) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Witches Brew is a vibrant and creamy green pea soup infused with fresh spinach and potatoes, topped with savory sautéed mushrooms shaped like spooky skulls. This comforting and visually fun soup is perfect for Halloween or any time you want a nourishing green meal with a hint of whimsy.
Ingredients
Soup
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 3 cups frozen green peas
- 1 handful of baby spinach
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups vegetable stock
Mushrooms
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz white or brown mushrooms
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1/2 tsp salt
Garnish
- Heavy cream or coconut milk
- Micro rainbow mix
- Peas
- Ground black pepper
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics and potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced potatoes. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes or until potatoes start becoming semi-soft.
- Add greens and peas: Mix in the frozen green peas, baby spinach, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir for about a minute to combine flavors, then add the vegetable stock. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender and soft.
- Blend the soup: Using a regular blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy texture.
- Heat blended soup: Return the blended soup to the stove and heat until it boils gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare mushrooms: In a medium pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sprinkle with salt. Sauté for about 1 minute, flipping carefully to avoid breaking the mushroom shapes. Then add vegetable stock to the pan and cook until mushrooms are soft but still hold their shape.
- Remove mushrooms: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked mushrooms from the liquid and set aside.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of heavy cream or coconut milk, micro rainbow mix, fresh peas, a sprinkle of ground black pepper, optional crushed red pepper, and top with the sautéed mushrooms styled as skulls.
Notes
- You can use both white and brown mushrooms for better color contrast in the garnish.
- To make skull-shaped mushrooms, clean and halve the mushrooms. Use a small piping tip or straw to poke eyes, and make slits for the nose and teeth using a knife on the mushroom stems.
- Be careful not to over-sauté mushrooms to preserve their shape for garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *