Watercress & Pea Soup

Last night, a mess was made of catasrophic proportions. Pea Soup. EVERYWHERE. It was most excellent.

I mean c'mon... how was I supposed to know that virtualy invisable squiggly line on my food processor was supposed to be the liquid limit? It started as a tiny trickle down the side of my food processor, that I thought maybe escaped from the side of the pot while I poured the soup into it.... but then I realized it was coming from the bottom... quickly... all of my broth was vanishing!!! O_O I guess it could be said it was somewhat comedic watching Dave trying to pick up the one ton food processor full of scalding hot soup, complete with loose blade, trying to pour it back into the pot.. while I ran around like a clucking chicken with a towel, trying to mop up the green liquid that was now covering the counter.... at the same time trying to comfort Dave in his discomfort.

Eventually I figured out that there is a reason people say to puree soups in batches.... and the soup turned out just fine.. albeit a little thicker than I'd hoped, but tastey none the less!

And dad, this one is vegetarian friendly =) Just pretend I didnt eat any conch fritters, and that there arent slices of turkey garnishing the soup!

Watercress & Pea Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 large onion chopped
2 tbsp butter
5 cups peas
2 cups veggie broth
1/2 bunch watercress (to your taste, I just added these cause I had too much for salad!)
salt to taste

METHOD

In a large pot melt butter and saute onion until soft and transluscent, add broth, peas and watercress. Cook over medium heat until peas are soft. Season to taste.

Puree in food processor or blender (IN BATCHES!!!) until smooth.

Garnish with a sprig of watercress.. or in our case, a shred of turkey courtesy mom =)

We had this with a watercress salad, I made the dressing...

Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinagrette
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
fresh ground pepper

Blend ingredients, whisking in oil slowly at the end.

I also fried up some conch fritters from Claytons. Claytons is the fish market I frequent in town. Whenever they get conch in... whatever goes unsold they make fritters from. They are fantastic. So I always get excited when I see conch in stock because I know they will soon be making their fritters. =) mmm.