Creamy Pea Soup with Prosciutto

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) fresh peas 2 cups (470ml) fresh peas
• 1 small onion, chopped 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 4 slices of prosciutto 4 slices of prosciutto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the fresh peas and dried thyme to the pot, and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
5. 5.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   In a separate pan, cook the prosciutto slices over medium heat until they become crispy. Remove from heat and crumble into small pieces.
7. 7.
   Ladle the creamy pea soup into bowls and garnish with the crispy prosciutto. Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peas — If fresh peas are not available, you can use frozen peas as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw them before using.
• Prosciutto — Look for high-quality prosciutto that is thinly sliced for the best results. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the prosciutto with crispy fried shallots for a similar crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or vegetable broth.
• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté the prosciutto in a little olive oil before crisping it up.
• Garnish the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Pea Soup with Prosciutto as a starter for an Italian-inspired dinner. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

When serving the soup, make sure to pour it into bowls gently to maintain its vibrant green color. Top each bowl with a generous amount of crispy prosciutto for an eye-catching presentation.