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Cold Curried Pea and Buttermilk Soup

This chilled curried pea and buttermilk soup is a vibrant and refreshing vegetarian dish, perfect for warm summer days or as an elegant starter for a dinner party. The sweetness of the garden peas provides a beautiful balance to the gentle heat of the Madras curry powder, while the spinach adds a deep, earthy colour. Using buttermilk gives the base a distinctive, pleasant tang and a silky texture without the heaviness of double cream.

Quickly cooling the soup in an ice bath is the secret to maintaining the brilliant green hue of the fresh vegetables. Low in calories but high in flavour, this light soup can be prepared a few hours in advance, allowing the aromatic spices to develop fully. Serve it in chilled bowls with a scattering of fresh mint or a swirl of yogurt for a cooling, healthy midday meal.

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Ingredients for Cold Curried Pea and Buttermilk Soup

  • 4 large shallots, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons curry powder (preferably Madras)

  • 725ml reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 475ml water

  • 2 (275g) packages frozen peas

  • 1 (3/4-pound) bunch spinach, stems discarded (about 8 cups packed leaves)

  • 1 cup well-shaken buttermilk

How to make Cold Curried Pea and Buttermilk Soup

Cook shallots in butter and oil in a heavy medium pot over medium heat, stirring, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add curry powder and 3/4 teaspoons salt and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add broth and water and bring to a simmer, then stir in peas and spinach and return to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender, about 6 minutes.

Immediately purée soup in 4 batches in a blender until very smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Transfer to a bowl and stir in buttermilk. Quick-chill (to preserve colour) by setting bowl in an ice bath and stirring until cool, then refrigerate until very cold, 1 to 2 hours. Season with salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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