Parisian sweet pea soup

I love soup.  Its so popular in the fall and winter, and there is no reason not to bring soups into springtime.  

This Parisian sweet pea soup is so beautifully simple, uses ingredients that are probably already hanging around the kitchen, and is absolutely delicious.  A winner for weeknights, and it can be dressed up to make a nice dinner party starter course.  Fun fact: This soup is traditionally known in France as a Potage Saint-Germain.


Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups water
- 1 bag frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 Tbsp whipping cream 

Melt the butter in a dutch oven or heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Add the onions and cook for about 3 minutes, until they're soft and transparent.  Add the water and the peas, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.  Cover, and let cook for about 15 minutes - until the peas are tender.

Use a hand mixer or a blender to puree into a smooth soup.  If you're feeling ambitious, put a fine strainer over the pan (to catch any larger fibers or shells) and pour the soup back into the pan.  I usually skip this step...I don't mind a more granular texture and am happy to save time and dishes for a weeknight dinner.  Stir in the salt, pepper, and whipping cream and serve with crusty bread.

Enjoy!