Spring Pea Soup

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large leeks , white and light green parts only
2 garlic cloves , minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
32 ounces chicken or vegetable stock
28 ounces frozen baby sweet peas
1/3 packed cup mint leaves, roughly chopped
crème fraiche, optional

Directions

1. In a large skillet set over medium heat add unsalted butter.
2. Once the butter is melted add leeks and sauté until soft, about 8 minutes. Add in minced garlic, thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Sauté for another minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to high and pour in chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a slight boil and stir in frozen peas.
4. Let the peas cook for 2 minutes, stir in mint leaves and remove pan from the heat.
5. Add half the pea mixture to the container of a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and pour into 3.5-quart saucepan. Puree remaining pea mixture following the same direction.
6. Warm pea soup over medium low heat until hot.
7. Enjoy plain or with a dollop of crème fraiche.