In Quebec, the fresh pea season brightens from late June to August, offering markets an abundance of these little green gems. These peas, symbols of summer freshness, enrich our plates with their delicate flavors and their nutritional benefits. Outside of this privileged period, green peas frozen quickly after picking present themselves as a practical and quality alternative. This immediate freezing method effectively preserves their taste, bright color, and nutritional properties, making these vegetables available and tasty all year round.
Creamed Green Peas with Crispy Bacon takes advantage of this constant availability to transform a simple bag of peas from the freezer into a sophisticated and comforting dish. By combining the velvety texture of peas with the crispiness of bacon, this recipe reinvents a classic of the culinary repertoire by giving it a modern and tasty touch. It is ideal for those looking to use their reserves wisely while wanting to offer a meal that is both simple and elegant.
| 🔍 Information | Details |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Preparation time | 15 minutes |
| 🍳 Cooking time | 25 minutes |
| ⏲️ Total time | 40 minutes |
| 🔧 Difficulty level | Easy |
| 🍽️ Servings | 4 people |
| 🔥 Calories (approximate) | 350 calories per serving |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (about 300g) frozen green peas (pre-cooked)
- 2 to 3 slices of bacon
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- About 1/3 cup (80 ml) 15% cooking cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Other possible toppings:
- Garlic scape pesto
- Fresh mint
- Chopped chives
- Homemade croutons
- Grated parmesan
- Lemon zest
- Truffle oil/Spicy oil
- Roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: How can I make my green pea cream even lighter without compromising the creamy texture?
A : To lighten the recipe, you can replace the 15% cream with a lighter version, such as low-fat cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Adding a small amount of potato helps maintain the creamy texture without requiring too much cream.
Q: Is there an alternative to bacon for a vegetarian version that maintains a crispy texture?
A : For a crunchy touch without meat, you can try smoked coconut chips or sautéed shiitake mushrooms. These alternatives offer a nice texture and an umami taste that is similar to that of bacon.
Q: Can you freeze creamed green peas for future use?
A : Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. For best quality, consume it within 3 months. Reheat gently after defrosting, adding a little water or stock if the soup is too thick.
Q: What fresh herbs other than mint would pair well with this soup?
A : Although the original recipe does not contain mint, herbs like basil, flat-leaf parsley or tarragon can add an interesting dimension of freshness to your green pea cream, especially if you choose to add a garnish like garlic flower pesto.
Q: How can I intensify the flavor of peas in soup without adding salt?
A : To intensify the natural flavor of peas without resorting to salt, you can add a pinch of sugar to enhance the sweetness or a squeeze of lemon juice to add a tangy note that will highlight the flavors of the peas.
Q: Is there a trick to keeping bacon crispy when added to soup?
A : To keep bacon crispy, add it as a garnish just before serving rather than mixing it into the soup ahead of time. This preserves its crisp texture and ensures that it adds a pleasant contrast to the creamy green pea cream.