Refreshing Twist on a Classic Dish

Ingredients

For the Pea Soup:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

For the Mint Espuma:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet finish)
• A pinch of salt
• Whipped cream dispenser and cream charger

Instructions

Prepare the Pea Soup:

1. In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the peas are tender but still vibrant green.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a blender) to puree the soup until smooth. Add the heavy cream and blend again to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the soup warm while preparing the mint espuma.

Prepare the Mint Espuma:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream gently over low heat, just until warm. Add the chopped mint leaves and let them steep for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the cream through a fine mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves.
3. Stir in the powdered sugar (if using) and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
4. Pour the mint-infused cream into a whipped cream dispenser, charge it with a cream charger, and shake vigorously. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the espuma to chill and stabilize.

Serve the Dish:

1. Ladle the warm pea soup into bowls.
2. Gently dispense a dollop of mint espuma onto the center of each bowl.
3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh peas for the best flavor and vibrant color, but frozen peas are a great alternative when fresh ones are unavailable.
• For an extra hint of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the soup before serving.
• If you don’t have a whipped cream dispenser, you can make a mint cream by whipping the infused cream with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.

This Pea Soup with Mint Espuma is a delightful combination of sweet, earthy, and refreshing flavors. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this dish is as elegant as it is delicious. Enjoy the creamy richness of the soup complemented by the light, airy mint foam for a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated!