Sweet Pea

I've come across this recipe a few times, each time thinking that I would love to make. The only problem is that Adam doesn't like peas--or so he thought. So, when he pointed out this recipe, I jumped at the chance to make. This chilled pea soup with a mint pesto is absolutely fabulous. The mint pesto really gives a kick to the sweet pea puree. With a little dollop of sour cream, this soup tantalizes your taste buds.


Chilled Pea Soup with Mint Pesto (Cooking Light, May 2005)

1 tsp. butter
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 1/2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 (14-oz) can fat-free less-sodium chicken broth [or veggie]
1 (1-lbs.) package frozen green peas, unthawed
6 Tbs. Mint Pesto
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
mint sprigs (optional)

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle flour over onions, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk and broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; cook 3 minutes or until slightly thick. Add peas; cook 5 minutes.
2. Place half of pea mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure lid on blender. Place a clean dishtowel over opening in lid (to prevent spills). Process until smooth. Strain pureed pea mixture through sieve into a large bowl, pressing mixture with a spatula. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining pea mixture. Stir in Mint Pesto, salt, and pepper; cover and chill. Garnish with mint sprigs, if desired.

Mint Pesto
2 Tbs. pine nuts
2 small garlic cloves
4 cups loosely packed fresh mint leave (about 2 oz.)
1/2 cup (2 oz.) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup water
1 Tbs. extravirgin olive oil

1. With food processor on, drop pine nuts and garlic through food chute; process until minced. Add mint, cheese, salt, and pepper; process until finely minced. With processor on, slowly add water and oil through chute, and process until well blended.