PEAS AND PARSLEY SOUP
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups coarsely chopped onion (from 1 large)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 6 cups shelled fresh English peas
• 4 cups packed flat-leaf parsley leaves (from 2 bunches)
• 1/4 cup creme fraiche, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• Pea shoots (optional), for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and 2 teaspoons salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add broth and water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in peas and return to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and creme fraiche. Puree soup in a blender, working in batches, until very smooth. Transfer to a clean pot and stir in lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and keep warm until ready to serve. Divide soup among bowls and garnish with creme fraiche, and pea shoots.
Pork and Snow Peas with Ginger Hoisin Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger (from a 1-inch piece)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 pork tenderloin (about 3/4 pound), cut into 3/4-inch slices
• 5 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 pound snap peas, trimmed
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a grill to medium. Clean and lightly oil hot grill. In a small bowl, stir together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and rice vinegar.
2. Alternately thread pork tenderloin, scallions, and snap peas onto four 8-inch skewers. Grill, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through and vegetables are charred, about 9 minutes. Brush kebabs with hoisin mixture and cook 1 minute more, turning once, until mixture begins to bubble.
Roasted Peas & Bacon
English peas are sweet and mild when steamed. For more intense flavor, roast them in their pods with diced thick-cut bacon. Scatter both on a baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees, tossing once, until the pods start to wilt and the meat is done. Pop the peas from their shells and enjoy.