Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Peas:
Add the peas to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let it cook for about 10 minutes, until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Blend the Soup:
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth.
Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to purée it.
For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave some peas whole.
Add Creaminess (Optional):
Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream if you want a creamier consistency.
Add salt, pepper, and chopped fresh mint to taste.
Finish and Serve:
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some lemon zest over the soup before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional mint or a drizzle of cream if desired. Serve hot.