A light and flavorful fresh pea soup by the Barefoot Contessa's Ina Garten. Perfect for seasonal eating and sings of spring. Frozen peas work great with this - or it's an ideal use of your garden peas, or farmer's market peas.
Fresh Pea Soup
A light and flavorful fresh pea soup by the Barefoot Contessa's Ina Garten. Perfect for seasonal eating whether you purchase or grown the vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped leeks white and light green parts (2 leeks)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 cups chicken stock preferably homemade
- 5 cups freshly shelled peas or 2 10-ounce packages frozen peas (see notes)
- ⅔ cup chopped fresh mint leaves loosely packed (see notes)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup creme fraiche (see notes)
- ½ cup freshly chopped chives
- Garlic croutons for serving
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large saucepan, add the leeks and onion, and cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until the onion is tender.
- Add the chicken stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the peas are tender. (Frozen peas will take only 3 minutes.) Off the heat, add the mint, salt, and pepper.
- Puree the soup in batches: place 1 cup of soup in a blender, place the lid on top, and puree on low speed. With the blender still running, open the venthole in the lid and slowly add more soup until the blender is three-quarters full. Pour the soup into a large bowl and repeat until all the soup is pureed.
- Whisk in the creme fraiche and chives and taste for seasoning.
- Serve hot with garlic croutons.
Notes
I've posted this recipe without my alterations and as brilliant as it is - I've adjusted it for my family's taste. We found less peas were needed: 3 to 4 cups were about right (depending on the size of the peas) We preferred less mint: 3 tablespoons chopped mint was enough to brighten the soup without it becoming overwhelming. We also added other herbs from the garden if available - fresh parsley or chervil. Plain Greek Yogurt works in place of creme fraiche. Garlic croutons do pair well, but in a snap we use oyster crackers and they tasted great!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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