Minted Green Pea Soup with Croutons

Mint and green peas are a classic culinary pairing. Here, they're pureed together into a deliciously fragrant soup with a fairly light consistency.

Ingredients

-1 small head butter lettuce, such as Boston or Bibb, coarsely sliced
-12 scallions or 1 small onion, sliced
-3 cups frozen baby peas, thawed
-1 to 2 sprigs fresh mint
-5 cups chicken stock
-4 slices bread
-Oil, for cooking
-Salt and pepper, to taste
-2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
-2/3 cup whipping cream

Directions

In a large saucepan, place the lettuce, scallions or onion, peas and mint. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Puree the soup in batches in a blender or food processor, then push through a fine stainer.

Meanwhile, remove the crusts from the bread and cut into small cubes. Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the cubes until lightly browned, stirring with a spoon to color evenly. Lift out and place on paper towels to drain; salt lightly while hot. This will season them, but also helps to keep them crisp.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Do not allow to brown. Remove from the heat, add the pureed soup and mix well. Return to the stove on low to medium heat and bring slowly to a boil, stirring constantly. Add the cream and season with some salt and pepper. Serve in bowls with the croutons sprinkled in first.