Green pea chowder

[jcallaghan]

This recipe is one of my favourites. It’s so simple with a delicious result in under 20 minutes. It has a beautiful colour with a nourishingly filling flavour. It’s said to be best served piping hot in the early days of winter accompanied with a garlic bread, however I think this soup is great all year round. To add a refreshing twist try serving chilled.

• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 450g Frozen peas
• 600ml milk
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh mint, chopped
• Single cream for thinning
• Seasoning to taste
• Chives, chopped

Method

1. Heat up the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Simmer all the ingredients apart from the cream for 15 minutes.
3. Remove the bay leaves and liquidise with a hand blender.
4. Thin out with cream and add seasoning as necessary.
5. Garnish servings with a chive sprig and a decorative drizzle of whipping cream.

Pictures

[jcallaghan]

We're always singing the praises of frozen peas, and they make a mean soup too. For two people, sweat a large onion in a little oil. Then add 7oz (200g) frozen peas and 10fl oz (300ml) vegetable stock. Bring to the boil then simmer for five minutes. Blend with a stick blender, season well then add 3tbsp heavy cream. You could add some fresh basil, crisp bacon or cooked ham too.