Pea and Spinach Soup
This soup is best made with farm-fresh peas, but you can substitute a ten-ounce package of frozen peas in a pinch. Since spinach and peas cook in such a short amount of time, do not add them to the pot until the stock has reached a boil. This soup is finished with lemon juice rather than cream or buttermilk. For an elegant presentation, garnish the soup with Frico (page 75).
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
FOLLOW THE BASIC RECIPE to sweat the aromatics, then add 3 1/2 cups stock or water and bring to a boil. For the base vegetables, add 2 pounds fresh green peas, shelled (2 cups), and return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until bright green and tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in 1 pound (2 bunches) fresh flat-leaf spinach (in batches if necessary, stirring until each is wilted) and cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Puree and finish, thinning with water as desired, then season with 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice along with salt and pepper.