Chilled Spring Pea and Tarragon Soup

This soup actually takes just a few moments, but pushing it through the sieve takes a little longer. Have a bit of patience if you want something silky smooth, but if you like the texture, just omit that step. In any event, sweet peas and floral tarragon shine bright in a creamy springtime soup that’s superb served warm or chilled.

This recipe was made for one of my workshops I run at Della Terra.

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Chilled Spring Pea and Tarragon Soup

4 tablespoons Tarragon Olive Oil, divided, plus more for serving
1 bunch (about 7) green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Premium White Balsamic Vinegar
6 cups fresh or frozen green peas
3 cups water
Fine sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Ground white pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh tarragon, for serving

Heat 2 tablespoons of the Tarragon Olive Oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the green onions and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add the Premium White Balsamic Vinegar, bring to medium-high heat, and cook until reduced to half, about 1 minute.

Add the peas, water, a few dashes of salt and white pepper. Reduce to low heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth, drizzling in the remaining Tarragon Olive Oil and lemon juice while blending. Press through a fine sieve to strain, if desired.

Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with fresh tarragon and additional olive oil before serving.

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Spring Pea and Arugula Pasta

Spring peas add a touch of sweetness to this quick pasta salad. The red pepper flakes add a bit of a kick, which complements the fresh mint.

pea pasta salad mint arugula

Spring Pea and Arugula Pasta

1/2 pound (227g/8oz) gluten-free elbow pasta (I prefer Tinkyada)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 shallots, halved and sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen spring peas
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
2 cups lightly packed arugula
1/2 cup lightly packed fresh mint, finely chopped
Fine sea or Himalayan salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon to taste, optional

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.

Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the peas and red pepper flakes. Cook until the peas are soft, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, scrape the mixture into a bowl, and add the pasta. Mix well. Cool completely.

Once the mixture is cool, add the arugula and mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve with freshly squeezed lemon juice, if desired.