Pea And Mint Soup

Method

1. I

   Pour the broth into a medium saucepan and heat until boiling.

2. II

   In a separate, large saucepan on medium heat, add 2 T. of olive oil.

3. III

   Add the prepped carrots, celery, onions and garlic and mix together. Put a lid on, slightly off center so some steam can escape. Cook this for about 10 minutes, until the carrots are tender but still holding their shape and the onions are golden.

4. IV

   Add the boiling broth to the veggies.

5. V

   Add the peas.

6. VI

   Stir and bring to a boil.

7. VII

   Once boiling, bring the soup to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until peas are softened.

8. VIII

   Take the pan off the heat and season with salt and pepper and add some mint leaves. *Jamie says to use a small bunch. I think this is a matter of personal taste, in terms of how much mint flavor you like to shine through. Start out small and increase until your taste buds are pleased! I added about half a bunch of chopped mint and thought it was enough for my tastes.

9. IX

   Using an immersion blender (or blender), blend the soup until smooth. (If you are using a regular blender, do it in batches so the hot soup won't come out the top of your blender).

10. X

    Optional:

11. XI

    If you are using ham, chop it up into bite-size pieces and stir it into the blended soup.

12. XII

    Heat the soup through before serving OR let it cool, store it in your fridge and eat it cold anytime you'd like!