[RFTW] Bright Green Spinach and Pea Soup

This light vegetable puree from Deborah Madison’s terrific and extensive Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone can be served hot or cold, and makes a wonderful start to a meal.

If served within minutes of preparation, it’s a bright, vivid green.  We had leftovers this morning for breakfast, and although the color had darkened a bit, it was delicious cold, right out of the fridge.

2 Tbs. Olive Oil
2 bunches Scallions (including half of the greens), coarsely chopped
1 small Onion, thinly sliced
3 Carrots, thinly sliced
1 Celery Stalk, thinly sliced
1 Tbs. chopped Marjoram or Basil (or 1 tsp. dried)
10 Parsley Springs, chopped
1 large bunch Spinach, stems removed
1 cup Peas, fresh or frozen
3/4 tsp. Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper
Lemon Juice, to taste

Heat the oil in a soup pot, and add the scallion, onion, carrots, celery, herbs, salt, and 1/2 cup water.  Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add 5 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil.  Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Add the spinach and peas.  Make sure the spinach is submerged, and cook until the leaves turn bright green (2 – 3 minutes).

Remove from heat and puree (with an immersion blender, or in two batches in a regular blender) until smooth.

Taste for salt, season with pepper, and stir in at least 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice to “bring up the flavors” (as Madison puts it).

Serve immediately with a dollop of fat-free Greek Yogurt (though Madison recommends the much-more-caloric Crème Fraîche) and garnish with edible flower blossoms.

Makes 8 servings, each with 72 cal, 0.5g sat fat, 3.5g total fat, 260mg sodium, 9g carbs, 3g fiber, 2g protein.

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Update 6-28-10:  Replaced my photo with a far superior one, compliments of readers Chillindamos (photographer & flowerer) and Michelle (chef extraordinaire).