Fresh Pea Soup with Mint

Ingredients

• 0.3 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
• 2 teaspoons butter 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin 
• 3 cups fat-skimmed beef broth fat-free
• 1 cup spring onion coarsely chopped
• 4 cups peas green shelled ( 4 pounds unshelled)
• 1 tablespoon juice of lemon fresh
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves thinly sliced
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 2 cups water 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• ladle
• sieve
• blender

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onions to pan; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add peas, broth, and 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until peas are very tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes. Stir in juice, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
5. Place half of pea mixture in blender; process until smooth.
6. Pour pureed soup mixture into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining pea mixture.
7. Pour half of pureed soup mixture through a sieve over a large bowl, reserving liquid; discard solids. Return liquid to pureed soup mixture. Ladle about 3/4 cup soup mixture into each of 6 bowls; drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon oil.
8. Sprinkle each serving with 1 teaspoon mint.
9. Garnish with cracked pepper, if desired.