Modern Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh or frozen peas (If using canned marrowfat peas, drain well.)
• 1 teaspoon Sugar (Adjust to taste)
• 500 ml Cold water
• 500 ml Milk (Whole milk recommended for richness)
• 0.25 medium Onion (Small piece, finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted butter)
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 0.125 teaspoon Black pepper (Freshly ground)

Instructions

1. 1If using canned peas, drain them. If using fresh or frozen peas, no need to drain. Add the peas to a pot with the sugar and cold water.
2. 2Bring the pea mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the peas are very tender.
3. 3Carefully transfer the pea mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Alternatively, rub through a sieve for a smoother texture.
4. 4In a separate saucepan, scald the milk with the chopped onion. Heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, but do not boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove the onion pieces.
5. 5In the same saucepan (or another clean one), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux.
6. 6Gradually whisk the hot, infused milk into the roux until smooth. Add the pureed pea mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently until warmed through. Do not boil.