Mushroom Leek Pea Soup With Lemon Ginger Creme Fraiche Food

LEEK AND CRèME FRAîCHE FRITTATA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Separate the yolks from the whites of two eggs. Place the whites in the metal bowl set on top of the dish towel (to prevent moving) and whisk to soft peaks. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk 4 eggs, plus the 2 leftover egg yolks. Use a Microplane to grate the garlic into the eggs. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• For the filling: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Slice the leek in half lengthwise (make sure there's no grit!), then thinly slice across. Add leeks to the skillet along with another tablespoon of oil, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the leeks begin to wilt but have not taken on any color; then add the vinegar. Toss, then stir the leeks into the eggs. Wipe the skillet clean; then add the remaining butter and teaspoon of olive oil over low-medium heat. Quickly re-whisk the egg whites, then fold into the frittata mixture. Pour eggs into the skillet and gently scramble until the eggs are set, then place in the oven for 8-10 minutes.
• Finish the dish: Remove the frittata from the oven and garnish with dollops of crème fraîche, chopped parsley, and aleppo pepper.

ASPARAGUS AND BREAD SOUP WITH PANCETTA

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, sweat the pancetta with the olive oil until crispy and fully rendered, 5 minutes. Remove the pancetta from the pan and set aside. Add the onions, shallots and garlic. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Once the aromatics are soft, about 5 minutes, add the stock, bread and tarragon. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the asparagus and spinach. Simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 15 minutes.
• Transfer the contents to a blender, and make sure you've added enough stock to achieve the desired consistency. Blend the soup and season with the lemon juice. Adjust the salt and pepper as necessary. If available, strain through a fine mesh strainer. This soup can be served hot or chilled.
• Serve with the crispy pancetta, chopped chives and a dollop of creme fraiche. If serving cold, additional chicken stock may be necessary to make sure the consistency is correct.

LEMONY PEA AND SPINACH SOUP

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium. Add the leeks and celery, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the vermouth and garlic, and cook until the liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil over high.
• Once it comes to a boil, add the frozen peas and cook, stirring occasionally, just until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the spinach until wilted. Stir in the parsley.
• Working in batches, transfer to a high-power blender and purée until creamy. (A food processor or immersion blender would work as well, though may take a little longer.) Return to the pot and season to taste with salt and pepper. (Makes about 12 cups.)
• Divide among bowls. Add pasta, if using, then top with a dollop of crème fraiche. Drizzle generously - nay, recklessly! - with olive oil. Sprinkle with a pile of herbs; grate fresh lemon zest on top; and serve immediately.

LEEK, PEA & WATERCRESS SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic and fry for 7-10 mins or until softened and translucent.
• Pour in the hot stock and simmer for 5-10 mins. Stir through the watercress, reserving a few leaves for garnish, then the peas, and cook for 5 mins until wilted. Use a hand blender or processor and whizz until smooth. Stir through the lemon juice and zest, then season to taste. Stir through half the parsley. Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining parsley, reserved watercress and a drizzle of olive oil. Swirl through some crème fraîche, then serve with crusty bread, if you like.