Ingredients
7 cups (1kg) fresh English peas, shelled
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, plus more for garnish
1 cup (240 ml) water, chicken stock, or vegetable stock
1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon julienned fresh mint (for croutons)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup (about 3 oz / 85 g) 1/4-inch diced brioche, crusts removed
1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar
Coarse salt, to taste
Tiny mint leaves and fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peas
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While it’s heating, prepare a large bowl with an ice bath.
-
Add the peas to the boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until almost tender.
-
Add the mint leaves during the last minute of cooking. Cook until peas are fully tender.
-
Drain immediately and transfer peas and mint into the ice bath to stop cooking and preserve color.
-
Once chilled, drain and transfer peas to a paper towel-lined bowl.
Step 2: Purée the Soup
-
Set up a food mill with the fine disc over a large saucepan (a blender can be used as an alternative, though it may require straining).
-
Purée the peas and mint until smooth.
-
Whisk in the cream, stock or water, vinegar, and salt to taste.
-
Heat gently over medium until the soup reaches a low simmer. Do not boil.
Step 3: Prepare the Croutons
-
In a frying pan, melt butter over medium heat.
-
Add diced brioche and toast, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until golden on all sides.
-
Toss with julienned mint leaves just before removing from heat.
Step 4: Serve
-
Ladle the warm soup into shallow bowls.
-
Garnish each serving with brioche croutons, tiny mint leaves, and fresh dill sprigs.
-
Swirl in a spoonful of heavy cream for a beautiful finish.
Notes
Using a food mill gives the soup its velvety consistency. If using a blender, strain the soup for a smoother finish.
Add the mint at the end of boiling to retain its freshness.
The brioche can be substituted with crustless white bread or baguette if needed.
Serve with a light salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: French Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 48mg