Saint-Germain Pea Soup

Discover the timeless elegance of Saint-Germain Pea Soup, a creamy blend of fresh peas, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal!How to Make

Ingredients:

• 🌱 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
• 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
• 🥕 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 🌱 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🥛 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
• 🥔 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for extra creaminess)
• 🌿 1 bay leaf
• 🌱 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
• 🧈 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 🥄 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer texture)

Preparation Time:

• Prep: ⏱️ 10 minutes
• Cooking: ⏱️ 50 minutes
• Total: ⏱️ 1 hour

Instructions:

1. Sauté the vegetables:
   🧈 Step 1: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add peas and seasonings:
   🌱 Step 2: Stir in the split peas, diced potato, bay leaf, and thyme. Mix well with the vegetables.
3. Add stock and simmer:
   🥛 Step 3: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
4. Blend the soup:
   🥄 Step 4: Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend in batches in a countertop blender.
5. Season and adjust:
   🧂 Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using cream, stir it in at this stage and heat gently without boiling.
6. Serve:
   🍵 Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with croutons, chopped fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

A Festive and Wholesome Delight!