If your garden or farmer’s market has given you peas, Meatless Monday is a great day to make use of them. Because their sugars quickly degrade into starches after they’re picked, garden peas should be eaten immediately. Chef Pieter Dijkstra of A Spice of LIfe catering company invented this fresh, simple soup for Natural Home magazine. With crusty bread and a plate of local cheeses, it makes a wonderfully light spring dinner.
Pea Soup
Serves 6
2 medium shallots, finely chopped
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
¼ pound potato, peeled and diced
1 pound fresh or frozen peas
3 cups water or light vegetable broth
Salt and pepper for seasoning
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon water
1. Cook shallots with a pinch of salt in oil until translucent.
2. Add potato and cook until soft.
3. Add peas and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Puree mixture with water or broth in blender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine sour cream and 1 tablespoon water.
7. Drizzle loose cream over soup for garnish.
Spring peas, new potatoes and shallots make a light but satisfying spring soup. Photo by Joe Lavine