Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche

Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche Recipe - Delicious Soup Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for spring and summer. The combination of sweet garden peas and tangy lemon crème fraîche creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

History

Pea soup has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the dish found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of lemon crème fraîche adds a modern twist to this classic recipe, elevating it to a whole new level of sophistication.

Ingredients

4.5 lb (2.04 kg) fresh garden peas
1 tbsp unsalted butter
10 green onions, thinly sliced
2.5 cup chicken stock
2 cup water
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Lemon crème fraîche

0.5 cup crème fraîche
1 tbsp milk
0.5 tsp grated lemon zest
1.5 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Shell the peas, reserving 8 of the pods.
Set the peas and pods aside.
Prepare a large bowl of ice water to nest a soup pot.
Melt the butter in the soup pot over medium heat, then add green onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft for about 5 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the peas, reserved pods, chicken stock, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the peas and pods are tender for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and nest the pot in the bowl of ice water.
Stir occasionally until the mixture is cool for about 20 minutes.
Using a blender, purée the cooled pea mixture on high speed in batches until smooth for about 3 minutes per batch.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan. Stir in the cream and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Lemon crème fraîche

In a bowl, whisk together crème fraîche and enough milk to make a barely fluid mixture.
Add the zest and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
To serve, place the soup over medium heat and reheat to serving temperature.
Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and drizzle with lemon crème fraîche, dividing evenly.
Garnish with lemon zest and chive blossoms, if desired.

Variations

Add mint leaves for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock for a vegetarian version.
Top with crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to shell the peas and reserve the pods for added flavor.

- Straining the pea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve will result in a smoother and silkier soup.

- Garnish with fresh lemon zest and chive blossoms for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche as a light and refreshing starter or pair it with a crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Purée the pea mixture in batches for a smooth and creamy texture.

- Strain the mixture for a silky finish.

- Reheat the soup gently over medium heat to prevent curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen peas if fresh peas are not available.

- Substitute sour cream for crème fraîche.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of lemon crème fraîche, fresh lemon zest, and chive blossoms for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light and refreshing rosé.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fresh peas are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, cream, crème fraîche) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Summary

Fresh Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche is a delightful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet garden peas and tangy lemon crème fraîche creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this soup as a light and refreshing starter or pair it with a crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a sunny afternoon in the springtime, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived in a quaint little cottage by the countryside. Mrs. Jenkins was a wonderful cook, and her kitchen was always filled with the most delicious aromas. On this particular day, she invited me over for lunch and served me a bowl of the most exquisite fresh pea soup with lemon crème fraîche.

As soon as I took my first spoonful, I knew that I had to have the recipe. Mrs. Jenkins smiled warmly and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She graciously agreed to share it with me, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, sipping tea and chatting as she taught me how to make the soup.

To start, Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to a good pea soup was using fresh peas. She showed me how to select the best peas at the market and how to shuck them properly. We then moved on to the other ingredients – onions, garlic, chicken broth, and a touch of cream. Mrs. Jenkins shared with me her secret for adding just the right amount of each ingredient to create a perfectly balanced flavor.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Mrs. Jenkins taught me how to make the lemon crème fraîche. She whisked together heavy cream, lemon zest, and a bit of sugar until it formed soft peaks. The tangy lemon flavor complemented the sweetness of the peas beautifully, and I marveled at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious.

As we sat down to enjoy our lunch, Mrs. Jenkins told me stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make the soup many years ago. She spoke fondly of the time spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning the art of cooking and creating memories that would last a lifetime. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for being able to learn from Mrs. Jenkins and carry on the tradition of passing down recipes from generation to generation.

Since that day, I have made fresh pea soup with lemon crème fraîche many times, always thinking of Mrs. Jenkins and the special bond we shared in her kitchen. Each time I make the soup, I am reminded of the importance of preserving family recipes and sharing them with loved ones. It is a tradition that brings us together, creating moments of joy and connection that will be cherished for years to come.

I am grateful for the day I found this recipe, as it has become a beloved favorite in my own home. The fresh, vibrant flavors of the peas paired with the zesty lemon crème fraîche never fail to impress my family and friends. I am proud to carry on the tradition of making this soup, knowing that it brings a piece of Mrs. Jenkins and her loving spirit into my kitchen each time I prepare it.

In the end, it is not just about the soup itself, but the memories and stories that come along with it. I am thankful for the recipe that has brought me closer to my family and friends, and for the special bond that cooking can create between generations. This fresh pea soup with lemon crème fraîche will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the day I found the recipe and the cherished moments spent learning how to make it with Mrs. Jenkins.