Pea Soup With Crisp Prosciutto Food

PEA SOUP WITH CRISP PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat and cook the leeks for 5 minutes, stirring until they have softened; add the potatoes, garlic and thyme and cook for 2 minutes; add the stock and bring to the boil over a high heat; reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes; add the peas and simmer for 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
• Puree with a hand blender until the soup is smooth. If you like a bit of chunkiness in your soups, take out a portion of the soup before pureeing, then return it to the pot after you've finished pureeing the bulk of the soup.
• Meanwhile, place the prosciutto on a baking tray and cook it under a hot grill for 2-3 minutes each side, until crisp.
• Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, and serve it in bowls with prosciutto and crispy rolls.
• TIP: If you're a microwave rather than a grill user, or your grill is a bit dodgy, you may prefer to cook your prosciutto in a single layer between 2 double sheets of kitchen paper for a couple of minutes in the microwave. Because microwaves vary so enormously in heat, if using this option, err on the side of caution and just cook the prosciutto for a minute to start with.and then perhaps for an extra 30 seconds at a time until the prosciutto is how you want it. It's too delicious to waste. Not quite as crisp as grilled, but a useful alternative. Apologies if this is a method you've known for years! It's a useful tip if you're unfamiliar with it.

PEA SOUP WITH CRISP PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place prosciutto slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake until crisp, about 18 to 20 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, and blot to remove excess oil. Cool.
• In a stockpot, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil and saute onions with a pinch of salt over medium heat until soft but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add potatoes, another pinch of salt and just enough water to cover; cook until soft, about 15 minutes. Add shelled peas and sugar snaps with enough hot water just to cover them. Cover pot, and simmer until peas are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and puree soup in a food processor or blender in small batches. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into soup bowls, and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with crisped prosciutto on top.

PEA & MINT SOUP WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO STRIPS

Steps:

• Put the leeks, potato and stock in a pan and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 8 mins.
• Tip in the peas, cover and cook for 5 mins more. Take off the heat and blitz with a hand blender (or in a food processor) until smooth, then stir in the yogurt and mint.
• Meanwhile, lay the slices of prosciutto in a large non-stick frying pan in a single layer and heat until crisp. Allow to cool a little, then tear into strips, ready to sprinkle over the soup with some ground black pepper. Will keep in the fridge for 2 days.