Pea cream soup

Pea cream soup is a perfect choice for cool days when we seek comfort and warmth in a bowl. This recipe is not only a nourishing meal but also an explosion of flavors, quickly transforming into a sophisticated dish, perfect for an elegant dinner or a comforting lunch. Moreover, it is a simple recipe that can be prepared in a short time, making it ideal for those who wish to enjoy a quick dessert or an easy recipe.

Before we start cooking, let’s discover some details about our ingredients.

Ingredients:
- 550 g fresh (or frozen) peas
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 small onion
- 2 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons homemade sour cream (or with a minimum of 20% fat)
- 1 clove of garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of thyme

For croutons:
- Bread (pieces, preferably rustic bread)
- Thyme
- Olive oil

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, slice the carrots, cut the celery into small pieces, and dice the potatoes. This step is essential as it will help the vegetables cook evenly and blend more easily into the soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This step will enhance the soup's flavor and create a delicious base.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the onion is sautéed, add the peas (either fresh or frozen), carrots, celery, grated garlic, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Boiling the vegetables: Pour 1 liter of water into the pot and cover with a lid. Let it boil over medium heat until the vegetables are almost cooked, about 15-20 minutes. If you notice that the water level drops too much, add a few tablespoons of water.

5. Adding the potatoes and thyme: Once the vegetables are nearly cooked, add the diced potatoes and the teaspoon of thyme. Let it boil until all the vegetables are soft.

6. Blending the soup: Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to turn the soup into a smooth cream. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but make sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending.

7. Adding the sour cream: After the soup has been blended, add the sour cream and heat again over low heat. Mix well and taste to adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Here you can also add a drop of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

8. Preparing the croutons: Meanwhile, prepare the croutons. Cut the bread into cubes, mix with a teaspoon of thyme, and drizzle with a little olive oil. Place them on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes, or until they become crispy and golden. You can also add some bacon slices if you want an extra flavor.

9. Serving: Pour the cream soup into bowls, add the croutons, and if you prepared bacon, sprinkle some pieces on top. You can garnish with a little olive oil or fresh thyme leaves for a refined look.

10. Enjoying: Serve the soup warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread. This pea cream soup is perfect to be paired with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Nutritional benefits: This cream soup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains healthy carbohydrates that provide energy and help maintain digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned peas? Yes, canned peas are a quick option, but it is preferable to use fresh or frozen peas for a more intense flavor.

2. How can I make the soup vegan? Replace the sour cream with a plant-based substitute, such as soy or coconut cream, and ensure you don’t add bacon.

3. What other vegetables can I add? You can experiment with zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even spinach to add extra nutrients and texture.

Possible variations: This recipe can be customized by adding different spices, such as curry or smoked paprika, to change the flavor profile. You can also replace olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.

No matter how you choose to prepare this soup, remember that every meal cooked with love becomes a unique experience. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 550 g peas, 3 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 small onion, 2 medium potatoes, 2 tablespoons homemade sour cream or at least 20% fat, 1 clove of garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme. Croutons: bread pieces, thyme, olive oil.