Fresh Pea Soup

This is Färsk Ärtsoppa, in Sweden. Serve soup with a sprinkling of croutons or serve with a dab of horseradish-flavored sour cream (mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 2 teaspoons grated horseradish). Makes 6 servings.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  lbs fresh peas, in the pod
• 1  quart water
• 2  small bay leaves
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons butter or 2  tablespoons margarine
• 4  teaspoons flour
• 2  cups  seasoned chicken broth (or 2 cups water and 3 chicken bouillon cubes)
• 1  cup  cream

Directions

1. Wash peas and shell- Put the pods into a large saucepan with water, bay leaf and salt; cook about 45 minutes.
2. Drain off juice and discard pods. Pour juice back into the saucepan, add peas and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
3. Force peas through a fine sieve or put into electric blender.
4. Melt butter in saucepan, stir in flour and puree, add liquids.
5. Simmer, stirring, until smooth- Season with more salt if needed.
6. Electric blender: Add butter and flour to peas, turn on motor. Turn off and scrape down a few times if needed. Pour puree back into saucepan, add liquids and simmer 5 minutes or until smooth- Season with salt if needed.
7. Serve.