Shell Pea Soup With Mint
Before I post about my weekend farmers markets, I wanted to share this simple recipe for shell pea soup. The season for shell peas is nearly over, and I feel as though I’ve really missed it, having this purchase be my first this year. Hopefully, it won’t be my last-or your last! If you are able to get to any of our area markets this week, seek out shell peas-they are very easy to prep, and are a far cry from frozen. Not that I don’t like frozen. I have a package of frozen peas in my freezer at all times, just waiting to be plucked by the handful and thrown into dishes such as rices or pastas.At the Dupont Farmers Market, I purchased a box of peas for $6. Once shelled, I had a little more than one cup of peas. This was enough for 4 small, or 2 large servings of soup. Shell pea soup is a wonderful way to begin a summer meal. I served this soup just warm, and despite the summer heat, the yogurt and fresh chives made this soup quite refreshing. Enjoy!
Shell Pea Soup With Mint
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 leek, thoroughly washed and sliced
- 1 cup fresh shelled peas (you can substitute frozen)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 5-6 mint leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
- Greek or plain yogurt, thinned with milk or cream (or anything in between) and placed in a squeeze bottle (you can also just dollop the yogurt on top)
- Croutons-any kind you like
- Chives
DirectionsHeat a pan over medium heat. Add butter and allow to melt, not brown. Add leeks and sautee until leeks are softened, about 5-10 minutes. Add peas and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover pan and allow to cook until peas are softened, about 8 minutes. Remove pan from heat, and add mint. Blend soup with stick blender, or process in a blender until completely smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer soup into individual serving bowls. Squeeze yogurt mixture onto soup in concentric circles, starting from them middle. Using a toothpick, drag through the yogurt, from the center outwards to make pattern. Garnish soup with croutons and chives.
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