Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Spring Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraiche



Spring is in the air. Summer is not far away. Oh how I love this time of year.

We have little birds growing up before our very eyes in a nest in our backyard. The mama bird flies in and out to bring them nourishment and keeps them warm at night. I am sure it will not be long until they are all grown up and leave the nest for the big world outside the tree.






Over the weekend, I dusted off the patio cushions from their storage high up in our garage. Along with that, I sprayed the furniture with lots of water to remove any dirt or spider webs from the long winter. I just love preparing for the warm nights ahead and being able to enjoy a glass of wine with hubby while enjoying the serene sound of the water trickling into the fountain. This time of year just makes me smile.

I have several empty pots that are in need of bright flowers and herbs. This is on the list of must purchase over the weekend. I am not much of a green thumb, but with a bit of regular watering, I think I can keep them alive through the season – I promise. Smile.


In fact, last night hubby and I enjoyed a glass of delicious red wine and thinly sliced gruyere and chatted about our day at work. Max our little doggie, laid down between us, just hoping for a slice of cheese to drop. Unfortunately for Max, nothing fell to the floor.


At the farmers market over the weekend, spring peas were in full abundance. I purchased a large bag along with a bag or two of pre-shelled spring peas from Trader Joe’s. Last Monday, I visited one of my favorite blogs – Yummy Supper that I have been following for quite some time. Erin had posted a wonderful recipe for Spring Pea Soup that instantly caught my eye. With spring peas in hand, this was a must make on Sunday. Hubby and I enjoyed it last night while watching one of our favorite television shows. I made a few slight changes to the recipe and enjoyed every delicious bite of this simply divine soup!


Spring Pea Soup with Lemon Crème Fraiche

4 strips of bacon, chopped
1 large onions, small dice
4 cups shelled peas (about 3.5 pounds of peas still in their pods)
3 medium mint leaves, sliced
5 cups good quality chicken or veggie stock
Plenty of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon heavy cream
4 T. Crème Fraiche
Lemon zest

In a large soup pot, cook your bacon with the lid on for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Drain the bacon renderings and leave a tablespoon or two to cook the onions. Add the onions and cook another 2 minutes so that the bacon and onion flavors marry nicely. Add the peas, mint, and stock. Toss in a few generous pinches of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and cook for about 7-8 minutes until peas are just tender. Taste for seasoning. Do not overcook, to keep the bright green color.

Add cream, and puree soup with an emulsion blender. Add 4 tablespoons of crème fraiche along with the zest of one lemon to a small bowl and mix. Top each bowl of soup with the crème fraiche.



13 comments:

  1. Lovely soup Lisa! I'm making soup in the am, even though it was almost 90 here today.
    I have to get over to the farmers market this week. Your peas look just perfect;-) It always feels good to get outside and clean up for Spring and Summer;-)

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  2. This looks delicious, Lisa! I love that you added some mint as well. A perfect use for the peas I've been buying at the strawberry stand!

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  3. Your soup looks really vibrant...perfect spring soup!

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  4. This makes me feel like celebrating spring so much! It should be wonderful watching a family of birds everyday. I love your recipe!

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  5. What a beautiful spring soup and pretty pictures, too, Lisa. I've never made pea soup before but I love your take on it with the lemon creme fraiche and the mint leaves. I bet this tastes as fresh as it looks!

    Have a wonderful week!

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  6. I can't wait to go to the farmers market this weekend and see what is there. This pea soup is such a pretty color. The lemon cream sounds like a great pairing with it!

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  7. I love Spring and I will miss it...Love the little birdy shot...so adorable!
    And soup looks fantastic, great recipe too! Thank you for sharing!!!

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  8. This soup is gorgeous and so are the photos, what a beautiful post. Made me want to run out and find some new Spring Peas.

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  9. Hi, Lisa! Lovely-looking soup!

    Am I the only food blogger without a garden? I'm so jealous that most of you guys have an outdoor space / patio / backyard...I'm a wanna-be gardener without a garden, so I just go to farmers' market to indulge myself!

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  10. I have to admit that only way I have been cooking this type of peas is stir fry. I know I should be creative like you. Or maybe pea is common ingredient for the soup? Anyway I already love this recipe. It's a must try!

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  11. Oh, the birdies are adorable!! My dad had some little birds that hatched under his watchful eye last year - he was like a proud papa all over again.

    Love the flavors in this soup - especially the lemon creme!

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  12. What a delightful and refreshing soup...delicious!

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