The Kitchen of Belis

Are you feeling off and in need of something light and warm? Are you tired of eating canned soups and starting to get concerned about your preservatives intake? Do you have limited time like just 10 minutes to put something together? Do you wish your dish to be homemade and healthy? Then I think you will really like this pea soup.

If you do not like peas, their overall nutritional characteristics may change your mind. Peas are very healthy as they are a good source of protein, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin C and amino acids. They are also low in oil, and the type of starch they contain is the sort that breaks down slowly rather than giving a quick burst of energy.

Here is how you make it...

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 chopped leeks, white and light green parts
1 cup chopped yellow onion
4 cups vegetable stock
5 cups freshly shelled peas
2/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly chopped chives

Directions

Heat the butter in a large saucepan, add the leeks and onion, and cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Add the vegetable stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the peas are tender. (Frozen peas will take only 3 minutes.) Off the heat, add the mint, salt, and pepper.

*Puree the soup in batches: place 1 cup of soup in a blender, place the lid on top, and puree on low speed. Pour the soup into a large bowl and repeat until all the soup is pureed. Whisk in chives and taste for seasoning. Serve hot with garlic croutons.

(Recipe By Ina Garten)