3/30/11

Cream of Pea Soup


No soup says "Spring" to me more than this cream of pea soup, and this is the time of year that I crave it. It could be its bright green color that I'm so ready to see on the plants in my yard, or the sweet, fresh pea flavor that reminds me of fruits and vegetables to come in the summer, or it could be that it's nice and warm and at least once (likely more) during the springtime I jump the gun and leave the house without a coat. I bitterly regret it every time. Whatever the reason, this soup is always something I look forward to this time of year.


If you like peas, you will like this soup. It actually tastes like peas. They're the main star in a small list of ingredients meant to enhance, not disguise, the pea flavor. Most of the hands-on time takes less than 10 minutes and I usually have everything for it on hand. That means I can easily whip it up to warm myself when I've returned from an errand run in 30 degree weather without a coat.

Again.



Cream of Pea Soup

Ingredients

2 T unsalted butter
1 onion, minced
Salt
2 T all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds frozen peas, thawed. (For thicker soup, use 2 pounds)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Pepper

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and 1/2 tsp salt and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly stir in the broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, finely chop the peas in a food processor (or by hand). Add the peas to the soup and simmer until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Puree the soup in batches in a blender or food processor until smooth.

3. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the cream. Bring to a brief simmer, then remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. 

Recipe Source: America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

13 Click For Comments:

YUM! I am always running outside without a coat on too. People ask me about it and I say, "It's not really a far walk from my house to my car." Makes sense to me!

Agreed! I just LOVE pea soup...I think I've made three or four different kinds now. Its super yummy...I know the green bothers some people, but not this chick!

thank you for visiting my blog, Nicole and spreading the word. Your blog is beautiful with gorgeous photos! Looking forward to browsing yours!

Sooo perfect for spring! Bring it on...I am ready to ditch this coat too! ;)

Nicole, this soup looks so delicious and I love the color of it! I've always loved pea soup, whatever the season, and will have to give yours a try. You girls have such a beautiful blog! Keep up the good work. :)

That looks so rich and yummy. What great pictures!

This soup looks really great. But you photos are stunning!

This soup looks very fresh. Love your presentation and you turned the simple soup into an elegant dish!

I am SO ready for spring. This soup looks wonderful.

What an awesome color this soup has! I bet you could even get kids to eat it :)

I am right there with you on being ready for spring! Your presentation on the soup is beautiful.

Oh this looks so wonderfully yummy! And the color - how could you not think of spring time with this?! ~Megan

I love the color! Gorgeous! and your pictures are amazing!!

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