Pea Pod or Mange Tout Soup

I used pea pods that didn't have much in the way of peas inside, they are a bit tougher than specially grown mange tout but it still works if you simmer it for about 10 minutes longer. It is a cheap and delicious soup, one even for people who wouldn't normally eat peas.

Serves 4
2 tbsp vegetable oil or about 15g butter
1 medium or 2 small onions, chopped finely
2 medium or 3 small potatoes,washed and diced without peeling
About 250g pea pods or mange tout, trimmed and sliced, easiest to do this with sharp scissors
1 tsp dried parsley
Good shake of white pepper
900ml vegetable or chicken stock
Salt to taste
100ml single cream or milk, optional, just add another 100ml of stock

Heat the oil or butter in a large saucepan and sweat the onion for a few minutes then add the potato, mange tout, parsley and pepper. Do this over a low light.
Stir as they sweat and leave for about 5- 10 minutes.
Pour in the stock and season with salt to taste.
Bring to the boil and then simmer for 20- 30 minutes.
A few minutes before the end of cooking time add the cream or milk if using. Stir well.
Cool for 30 minutes then blend until smooth. Reheat as necessary and serve.
Crusty bread, oat cakes, or cheese scones go really well with this tasty soup.