A Green Peas Soup, Without Meat

Ingredients for A Green Peas Soup, Without Meat

• 2400ml fresh or frozen peas or petits pois (small, young green peas), divided

• 1450ml water, divided

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoons ground mace

• 2 cloves

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 to 4 spring onions, trimmed and sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

• 110g fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped

• 2 teaspoons minced fresh mint

• 3 tablespoons plain flour

• Diced toast for garnish (optional)

• Shredded fresh calendula blossoms for garnish (optional)

1. Put 1925ml the peas and 950ml the water in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the salt, pepper, mace, cloves, thyme, and marjoram, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the peas are very tender.

2. Drain the peas, reserving the cooking liquid in the sauceupan. Puree the peas in a food processor or with a food mill. If using a food mill, discard the skins. Press the puree through a sieve into the reserved liquid, stirring to combine thoroughly. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

3. Combine the remaining 475ml peas with the remaining 475ml water in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the peas are just tender.

4. While the second batch of peas is cooking, melt the butter in a sauté pan. Add the spring onions, and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the spinach and mint and stir together, cooking until the spinach has just wilted. Blend in the flour, and cook for about 1 minute.

5. Drain the peas, reserving the cooking liquid, and stir the peas into the warm soup along with the spinach mixture. Heat until it begins to simmer, adding the reserved pea-cooking liquid—a little at a time—if the soup is too thick. Season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

6. Pour the soup into a tureen, and garnish with diced toast and shredded calendula blossoms, if desired.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.