Lightning-Fast Creamy Green Pea Soup

Steps

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1. 1
   Melt the lard or butter in a pot over medium-low heat—no need for high heat, just let it melt gently.
   ▶ ≈1:01
2. 2
   Add the weighed flour to the melted fat and stir until smooth with no lumps. This creates the roux base (mehlschwitze) without any browning. Small bubbles will form as the flour cooks.
   ▶ ≈1:15
3. 3
   Pour in half the vegetable broth. The mixture will immediately become thick—this is the expected "yo-yo effect." Keep stirring until smooth.
   ▶ ≈2:04
4. 4
   Add the remaining vegetable broth in portions, stirring thoroughly between additions to ensure the roux incorporates smoothly without lumps.
   ▶ ≈2:42
5. 5
   Add the milk-and-cream mixture (mixed half-and-half) all at once, since the roux is now fully incorporated and won't lump up. Stir well to combine.
   ▶ ≈3:48
6. 6
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes to ensure the flour is fully cooked.
   ▶ ≈4:02
7. 7
   Taste and season with salt to your preference. Since the broth is already seasoned and the dairy and peas will dilute the flavour, adjust salt now.
   ▶ ≈4:16
8. 8
   Add freshly grated nutmeg and ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
   ▶ ≈4:30
9. 9
   Bring the soup back to a boil and simmer for 2–3 more minutes until fully cooked. Then turn off the heat and wait to add the peas.
   ▶ ≈4:53
10. 10
    Important: Add the frozen peas only just before serving, not earlier. This preserves the vibrant green colour—peas lose their colour if cooked or held warm for too long.
    ▶ ≈5:11
11. 11
    Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to purée the peas. Hold it suspended in the soup without touching the bottom of the pot, and blend until you achieve a silky, vivid green purée.
    ▶ ≈5:24
12. 12
    Turn off the heat. Taste the soup before serving and check the colour and flavour. If desired, add a pinch of dried lovage—grandmother's secret ingredient—for extra depth and herbaceous notes.
    ▶ ≈6:32
13. 13
    Ladle the soup carefully into bowls. Serve with your choice of garnishes: fresh mozzarella balls, diced tomatoes, fresh North Sea shrimp, or toasted breadcrumbs with garlic. Enjoy!
    ▶ ≈7:25