Pea and mint soup and Hugo’s new byline
I recently joined the NUDJ (National Union of Dog Journalists) because Bossy can be inclined to take advantage of my good nature. I also decided that I needed a proper byline and my favourite artist submitted a few pwoofs that you can see above and below. I quite like them, although I do wonder whether they properly portray the fact that I am a sophisticated dog of great intellectual gravitas… I would appreciate your opinions.
I’ve been rushed off my paws even more than usual this week; we are in the throes of a baby deer boom. These baby deer have no sense of territory or propriety, which is quite exhausting. And as if this isn’t taxing enough, a family of ducks has moved in without so much as a by-your-leave. They quack very loudly all night and stop me from sleeping. As I work until at least midnight every night, I need all the rest I can get *bone-tired doggie sigh*. When I get time, I shall write to my union about all this noise and overtime.
To be honest, this pea soup is as dull as ditchwater. I’ve never been keen on green-coloured food because, in my world, green means that it’s gone bad. Still, they all seemed to like it, although the Noisy One appears to share my suspicion of anything green.
I’m sorry this soup doesn’t meet with your approval Hugo, although, as this is a healthy eating blog, you might want to dilute your opinion on green things a little bit for next time? I thought it was a particularly delicious Spring soup and will certainly make it again. Peas are sometimes referred to as ‘nature’s multivitamin’, as they contain no fewer than eight vitamins and seven minerals. They are also a good source of fibre and protein and lower the overall glycemic index of any dish to which they are added.
This soup is adapted from a recipe in Anthony Worrall Thompson’s excellent book, ‘GI Diet’.
Ingredients (serves 4 – 6)
10g salted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, peeled and chopped
2 leeks, washed and chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
275g peas, fresh or frozen
1 large courgette, washed and chopped
1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
Melt the butter in a large saucepan with the olive oil. Add the onion, leeks and garlic and gently soften. Add the peas, courgette and stock and bring to the boil. Add the seasoning and cook until the peas and courgette are tender (about 20 minutes). Add the mint and purée until smooth.
12 Comments
apuginthekitchen
Hugo needs to re think his aversion to anything green because this soup sounds delicious. I had no idea that peas were such a wealth of vitamins and had the ability to lower the glycemic index of whatever they are added to.
Now for Hugo, well congrats on the affiliation with NUDJ, Izzy and Nando now want to look into it. I like picture no, 2, shows you hard at work, focused and thats what you are all about right Hugo? Try the pea soup, I think you will like it!!
The Healthy Epicurean
Thank you Mrs Pug for the congratulations and your comment on my portrait. I think that you’re right – the picture where I’m wearing my glasses does make me look more studious. Please give Izzy and Nando my love and tell them that if they need a sponsor to join the union, I’m happy to help, despite the fact that, as I said, I have precious little spare time. Mind you, you sound like less of a slave-driver than Bossy so I don’t really know if they need to join… Love, Hugo.
Mary Frances
I love the second illustration. So cute!
The soup sounds wonderful. Mint and peas are such a classic combination.
The Healthy Epicurean
Thank you. I like the second one too – I think his glasses suit him. Pea and mint soup is a classic, justifiably so. 🙂
Sally
Hugo, I must introduce you to my friend Rolo http://debievans.wordpress.com/
The Healthy Epicurean
Thank you Sally for introducing me to Rolo; he sounds quite the scallywag. I’ll read more of his dlog when I have time – I have to go and deal with some deer now. I must say that I’d rather deer than dragons – they sound a bit scary to me. Love, Hugo.
Butter, Basil and Breadcrumbs
Haha!! I’m loving Hugo, although we might have to agree to disagree on the green stuff…because this soup looks fab… I have to say that the second Hugo drawing is my favorite..although both are darling! <3 Awesome post! I look forward to more!!
The Healthy Epicurean
Thank you! Hugo is a bit of a card, isn’t he? I’m working on trying to change his opinion on all things green, but he seems pretty entrenched, as does my son unfortunately!
Stacey Bender
Hugo, you are missing out. Buddy’s favorite thing to eat is peas. In fact, he has requested them to go with his birthday salmon. Picture number 2 is the winner all around it seems; very dapper.
The Healthy Epicurean
Mrs Stacey –
Are you sure that Buddy is a dog? I’ve never heard of a dog that likes peas. What are his ears like? Could he be a rabbit? Thank you for voting for picture 2. I think that the glasses definitely enhance my intellectual side.
Love, Hugo.
nataliekatz
I love soups, all kinds of soups. This one looks particularly good, I’ll give it a try ASAP 😀 Take a look at my Pea Puree http://youngandhungryblog.wordpress.com/2014/01/15/hake-in-a-lemon-broth-with-pea-puree/ Please comment 🙂 xx
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