This chilled soup is light and luscious. Each billowy spoonful is a harbinger of spring in both its simplicity and presentation. A sweet blend of English peas is balanced by the brightness of lemon and the tang of crème fraîche. The licorice notes of tarragon and slivers of peppery radish finish the soup, adding freshness and texture, not to mention a beautiful swath of pink to the emerald purée.
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.
Beautiful Spring soup, I never make cold soups but should definitely allow you to take me in that direction, now that the weather is warming up (can you see my smile????)
A beautiful recipe, so gorgeous – your photos are lovely.
Wow, I don’t know about the soup but this image is beautiful!!
Very springlike and refreshing!
Cheers,
Rosa
What a gorgeous bowl of soup. Love the flavors and the color is to die for!!
Looks like spring has beautifully sprung where you are….I am SO jealous! At least its raining here today, and not SNOWING. Love your addition of tarragon here, just perfect.
A beautiful bowl of spring soup! Amazing color and I’m sure the taste! 🙂