English Pea Mint Soup Recipes

CHILLED PEA-MINT SOUP

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the buttermilk to a simmer and add 4 cups of peas and a large pinch of salt. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring often so that the buttermilk does not boil over. The peas should not be fully cooked and still have a slight bite to them.
• Transfer the peas and liquid immediately to a blender with the mint leaves and, starting on low speed, carefully blend (holding the lid on firmly with a dishcloth), working up to high speed for 60 seconds.
• In order to preserve the vibrant color and flavor of the peas, the soup must be cooled immediately. Pass through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, then rest the bowl inside a larger bowl full of ice water. Stir continuously until cool, tasting occasionally; you will notice that the soup becomes sweeter as it cools. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until cold.
• To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh peas and freshly ground black pepper.

ENGLISH PEA SOUP WITH MINT WITH ANDREW

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add a generous amount of salt. Add peas, and cook for 5 minutes. Drain, and run under cold water to stop cooking, then drain again; set aside.
• Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until tender and translucent, but not brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in crushed red-pepper flakes and stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes.
• Place half of the cool peas in blender jar with half of the simmered broth. Cover lid with a kitchen towel, as hot liquid will expand when blended. Puree until smooth. Add half of the creme fraiche and half of the mint, and puree. Pass through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan. Repeat with remaining peas, broth, creme fraiche, and mint.
• Place saucepan over medium heat until hot. Taste, and adjust for seasoning. The soup may be cooled completely at this point and stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to one month. Bring soup to a boil before serving.
• Ladle soup into warm bowls and serve with croutons.