If it’s possible for a soup to evoke a dessert, then this chilled pea soup does just that. I blame the crème fraiche and lemon. When paired together they are sublime, one degree of sweet separation from the makings of an ethereal dessert. The sugar in the peas completes this imagery, and while this soup is decidedly savory with the sharp and licorice notes of radish and tarragon, one can’t help but feel just a little naughty with each billowy spoonful of luscious soup.
Chilled Pea Soup with Crème Fraîche, Lemon and Tarragon
Makes about 2 1/2 cups
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 large shallot, finely chopped, about 1/4 cup
1 cup chicken stock
3 cups shelled English peas
1 cup chicken stock (or water)
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup crème fraîche (or plain Greek yogurt)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Fresh tarragon
Sliced radishes
1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until translucent without coloring, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the peas and sauté until bright and crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stock, salt, and pepper and simmer until the peas are very tender, about 4 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer to a food processor and process until smooth. Add the 1 cup water, ¼ cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The soup should be a little thick and not too runny. Transfer to a bowl to cool and taste for seasoning.
3. Whisk the crème fraîche and lemon zest in a small bowl.
4. Divide the soup between serving bowls or small cups. Add a spoonful of the cream to the soup and gently swirl, leaving light traces of the cream visible. Garnish with snipped tarragon leaves and sliced radishes.
Incredible color and a perfect spring soup.
What a perfect soup for spring and summer!
This looks absolutely delicious!!!
This looks absolutely wonderful. I love pea soup with Creme fraiche and lemon!! When we get back home I’m making this pronto. Aloha!
Beautiful!!!
What a perfect soup for the time of the year..
I love the gorgeous clicks.
This is soooo pretty!!! You know I love photography.. and the layout and design of these photos is just perfect! It brings to mind a professional’s touch. I’d love to try this soup once fresh peas are in the market!! Bookmarking this one:) xo Smidge
Lookd and sounds delicious. A request—please can you make your recipes :print-friendly” so that it’s possible to print a recipe without the entire post and all the comments? Thanks so much.
Divine.. a perfect lunch on a summer day! c
I think I could tip that bowl up and just drink that!
Perfect for summers. I love the combo of tarragon & peas!
I just made this – SO GOOD!!! Can’t thank you enough for posting it…
I did sub Crema Mexicana for creme fraiche and I added a zucchini in to the mix…YUMMM!! Thanks again!!
Oh the imagery of naughty soup. GREG
I have some tarragon in the garden that was born to be in this dish.
I just made this tonight and this soup is probably one of the best soups we’ve had, it is simply delicious and I wish I had made twice as much! Making it again very soon. Thank you so much.
Thanks for letting me know – so happy you enjoyed it!
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I really liked your pea based recipes so I shared them in this post : http://potsoup.wordpress.com/2014/01/13/a-pea-for-your-thoughts/
Cheers!