Cardamom Pea Soup

Adapted from Gourmet Magazine, March 2000.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  large onion, chopped
• 1  teaspoon  minced peeled fresh ginger
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  teaspoon olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 28  ounces chicken broth or 28  ounces vegetable broth
• 2 (10 ounce) packages  frozen peas
•  salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 -6  tablespoons creme fraiche or 4 -6  tablespoons heavy cream, for garnish

Directions

1. In a 3 to 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onion and ginger in butter and olive oil, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened.
2. While stirring the mixture, add the cardamom and cook for 30 seconds - do not overcook.
3. Add the chicken broth, increase temperature to high, and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the frozen peas, decrease temperature to medium, and simmer for about 10 minutes and the peas are very tender.
5. Pour mixture into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, in batches if necessary, about 1 minute per batch.
6. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids and skimming the liquid from the bottom of the sieve; discard solids.
7. Return the puree to the saucepan, season to taste with salt and pepper, and reheat.
8. Swirl a tablespoon of creme fraiche or heavy cream into each serving, serve, and enjoy!