Pea and Mint Soup

Egyptian Pea and Mint Soup Recipe | Delicious and Easy-to-Make Soup

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pea and Mint Soup is a refreshing and vibrant dish that is perfect for the spring and summer months. This soup is packed with fresh peas, mint, and other delicious ingredients that come together to create a light and flavorful meal.

History

Pea and Mint Soup has been a popular dish in British cuisine for many years. The combination of sweet peas and fresh mint creates a unique and delicious flavor that has stood the test of time. This soup is often served as a starter or light lunch, and is loved for its bright green color and refreshing taste.

Ingredients

50 g (2 oz) of butter
1 bunch of spring onions, chopped
3 tbsp of flour
900 ml (1.5 pt) of chicken stock
1 tsp of salt
300 g (10 oz) of frozen peas
500 g (1 lb) of sugar snap peas, trimmed
600 ml (1 pt) of water
8 lettuce leaves
25 g (1 oz) of mint leaves
salt and white pepper to taste
125 ml (4 fl oz) of cream

Garnish

a few lettuce leaves
shredded mint sprigs

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a large pan. Add the spring onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until they become tender. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Stir in the chicken stock, salt, and frozen peas. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and puree until it becomes smooth. Return it to the pan.
Put the sugar snaps, water, lettuce, and mint leaves in a pan. Bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Puree it in the food processor or blender, then sieve it to remove any strings.
Add the pureed mixture to the spring onion and pea mixture, stir in the cream, season it, and reheat.
Serve the dish garnished with lettuce and mint.

Variations

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Stir in some crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess.
Top with crispy bacon or pancetta for a savory touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh peas for the best flavor, but frozen peas can also be used in a pinch.

- For a smoother soup, be sure to puree the mixture until it is completely smooth.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

- Garnish with a drizzle of cream and some fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pea and Mint Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It can also be served as a starter before a main course.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to avoid scorching the bottom of the pan.

- Use a blender or food processor to puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute coconut cream for the dairy cream for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Pea and Mint Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Pea and Mint Soup with a drizzle of cream, some fresh mint leaves, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pea and Mint Soup with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light and refreshing beer, such as a pilsner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pea and Mint Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or stock to thin it out if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pea and Mint Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pea and Mint Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pea and Mint Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pea and Mint Soup contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Peas are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Mint is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and cream) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Pea and Mint Soup is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Summary

Pea and Mint Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the warmer months. Packed with fresh peas, mint, and other flavorful ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a light lunch or starter, and savor the bright and refreshing flavors of this classic dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny day in the springtime, and I was strolling through the bustling farmer's market in the heart of the city. The air was filled with the fragrant scent of fresh herbs and flowers, and the vibrant colors of the fruits and vegetables on display made my mouth water.

As I made my way through the market, I came across a stall run by a kind elderly woman. She had a twinkle in her eye and a smile that seemed to light up the entire market. I struck up a conversation with her, and before I knew it, we were chatting like old friends. She told me all about her love for cooking and how she had learned recipes from all over the world.

One particular recipe she shared with me that day was for Pea and Mint Soup. She described it as a light and refreshing dish that was perfect for the springtime. As she spoke, I could almost taste the soup on my tongue, and I knew that I had to try making it for myself.

The kind woman wrote down the recipe for me on a scrap of paper, and I tucked it away in my purse, eager to give it a try. When I got home, I gathered up the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The smell of fresh mint and sweet peas filled the air, and I felt a sense of calm and contentment wash over me as I stirred the pot.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. My grandmother had been my first teacher in the kitchen, passing down her knowledge and love of cooking to me. I remembered the long hours we spent together, kneading dough for homemade bread or stirring pots of bubbling stew.

I also thought about my travels around the world, sampling exotic dishes and learning new cooking techniques. Each recipe I collected was like a precious treasure, a piece of someone else's culture and heritage that I could bring back home with me.

But there was something special about this Pea and Mint Soup recipe. It was simple yet elegant, a perfect blend of flavors that reminded me of the joys of springtime. As I took my first spoonful of the soup, I closed my eyes and savored the taste, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for all the amazing people and experiences that had led me to this moment.

From that day on, Pea and Mint Soup became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just a quiet night at home. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that sunny day at the farmer's market and the kind woman who had shared her recipe with me.

Years passed, and my love for cooking only grew stronger. I continued to collect recipes from friends, family, and strangers alike, always eager to learn something new and expand my culinary horizons. But through it all, the Pea and Mint Soup recipe remained a constant, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to each other and to the world around us.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down this story for my grandchildren to read, I hope that they too will find joy and inspiration in the simple act of cooking. May they discover the magic of a well-loved recipe, passed down through generations and shared with love. And may they always remember that the best meals are not just made with ingredients, but with stories and memories that nourish the soul.