Some people do a very light-bodied pea soup that’s good for hot summer nights. This recipe is rich and hearty and makes a great lunch on a cold, rainy day. (Have I mentioned lately that I live in Cleveland?)
Ingredients
4-6 cups chicken broth
2 cups frozen peas* (plus more for garnish)
½ head Boston lettuce
1 leek
1 medium potato
kosher salt
white pepper
1 cup heavy cream
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* Peas … the whole reason I’m doing this recipe … and I forget to put them in the picture.
Directions
You can use fresh peas, of course, but frozen works just as well. Measure them out and, while they’re thawing, chop the lettuce and leek (mostly the white part, just a little green) and peel and dice the potato.
Put a few tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottom pot over low heat. (That’s “low” as in “not high”.)
Add the leek and lettuce and sauté until they’re wilted and just a little browned.
The leek will turn brown really fast if you have the heat up too high. I did say to use low heat right? (Note to self: Leek gets really brown really fast if the heat is too high.)
Now add the peas and cook until the skins start to pop.
Add the chicken broth and potato and a little salt (about a teaspoon).
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potato is cooked all the way through.
Process with a stick blender
If you don’t have a stick blender, process in a regular blender in small batches.
Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste, then add the cream.
Process again until the cream is thoroughly incorporated.
Garnish with more peas.
And that’s it.
Ingredients
- 4-6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (plus more for garnish)
- ½ head Boston lettuce
- 1 leek
- 1 medium potato
- kosher salt
- white pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Chop the lettuce and leek (mostly the white part, just a little green) and peel and dice the potato.
Put a few tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottom pot over low heat.
Add the leek and lettuce and saute until they’re wilted and just a little browned.
Now add the peas and cook until the skins start to pop.
Add the chicken broth and potato and a little salt (about a teaspoon).
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potato is cooked all the way through.
Process with a stick blender until completely smooth.
Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste, then add the cream.
Process again until the cream is thoroughly incorporated.
Garnish with more peas.
