Serrano Pepper and Sweet Pea Soup

This seasonal soup is full of flavor, spice, and body. Loaded with good for you green pea protein and deep, earthy flavors from the onion sauce, this is soup is a unique way to make the most of spring produce. Plus, it all comes together in a blender in no time.

SERRANO PEPPER AND SWEET PEA SOUP [VEGAN]

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SOUP:

• 1 pound of sweet peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 serrano pepper, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 shallot, roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 8 cups of vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons of mint, about 10-15 leaves
• 1 cup of onion sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

FOR THE ONION SAUCE:

• 3 large onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon juice, to taste
• Oil, for cooking
• A nice fruity olive oil, for flavor

PREPARATION

TO MAKE THE SOUP:

1. Add olive oil to a 5-quart pot or any other medium-sized pot and heat over medium heat.
2. Add shallots, Serrano pepper, and garlic to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Allow to sweat (no color, just let them cook up until soft and fragrant) for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add peas and toss them with the rest of the vegetables. Allow to cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add broth and bring to a boil. Once boiled, reduce heat, and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and gently pour the peas and vegetables into a food processor or blender.
6. Pour half of the liquid into the food processor or blender and start processing. Continue adding the remaining liquid until reached desired consistency.
7. Add lime juice, mint leaves, salt, and pepper.
8. Purée, divide the soup among bowls, and add onion sauce on top of each serving.
9. Serve immediately.

TO MAKE THE ONION SAUCE:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Drizzle onions with olive oil and place on a baking pan or oven safe sauté pan.
3. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and very soft inside.
4. Let cool.
5. Place into a blender or food processor, add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and good olive oil.
6. Process for 3-5 minutes or until very smooth.

NOTES

Onion sauce adapted from Food52.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/serrano-pepper-and-sweet-pea-soup/