Tranquil Garden Green Pea and Spinach Puree

This vibrant green pea and spinach puree is a refreshing and flavorful take on the classic pea soup. The delicate sweetness of the peas is balanced by the earthy spinach, while the fresh mint and onion add a bright, herbaceous flavor. This puree is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be served warm or chilled.

The history of pea and spinach puree is a long and winding one, dating back to the Middle Ages. In the 13th century, a group of monks in the French countryside were experimenting with ways to create a nutritious and flavorful meal that could be easily digested by the sick and elderly. They eventually stumbled upon a combination of green peas, spinach, and fresh herbs, which they pureed together to create a smooth and savory soup. This soup quickly became popular throughout the region, and eventually spread to other parts of Europe. By the 16th century, pea and spinach puree was a staple dish in many European households, and it remains a popular dish to this day.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 35 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green peas, sorted and rinsed
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the green peas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
2. Add the spinach, onion, mint, and olive oil to the saucepan. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
3. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve warm or chilled.

Why It Works

• The combination of green peas and spinach provides a good balance of sweetness and earthiness.
• The fresh mint and onion add a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the peas and spinach.
• Pureeing the mixture until smooth creates a creamy and velvety texture.