Elegant Chilled Pea and Lettuce Bisque
Experience the vibrant flavors of spring with this Elegant Chilled Pea and Lettuce Bisque. This refreshing soup combines the sweetness of fresh peas with the crispness of iceberg lettuce, enhanced by aromatic herbs and a touch of cream. Perfectly served chilled, it’s a sophisticated starter or a light meal for warm days. Suitable for a low-protein diet, this gluten-free recipe highlights simple, high-quality ingredients, making it a delightful choice for picnics, lunch gatherings, or a refined dinner party.
4
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 (tablespoons)
leeks
2 (finely chopped (white part only))
iceberg lettuce
1/2 (head, shredded)
fresh peas
4 (cups, shelled)
chicken stock
4 (cups)
parsley
1/4 (cup, chopped)
fresh tarragon
1 (teaspoon)
dried chervil
1 (teaspoon)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
salt
to taste
whipping cream
1 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped leeks to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and translucent, but do not let them brown (about 5 minutes).
3
Stir in the shredded iceberg lettuce and cook until wilted, which should take around 2–3 minutes.
4
Add the shelled peas and mix well to combine with the softened leeks and lettuce.
5
Pour in the chicken stock and add the chopped parsley, fresh tarragon, dried chervil, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the peas are tender (approximately 20–30 minutes).
7
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
8
Puree the soup using a blender until it reaches a smooth consistency. For a creamier finish, you may choose to strain it through a fine sieve.
9
Chill the pureed soup thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
10
Before serving, stir in the whipping cream and check the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
11
If the soup is too thick, adjust the consistency with additional chicken stock or cream to your liking.
12
Serve in chilled bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
10g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Chilled Pea and Lettuce Bisque?
It is a refreshing, sophisticated cold soup made with sweet fresh peas, crisp iceberg lettuce, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it uses fresh vegetables, herbs, butter, cream, and chicken stock without any wheat-based thickeners.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh peas?
While fresh shelled peas are recommended for the best flavor, you can use frozen peas if fresh are unavailable.
How long should I chill the soup before serving?
The soup should be chilled thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Is this soup suitable for a low-protein diet?
Yes, with only 5g of protein per serving, it is a suitable choice for those monitoring their protein intake.
What type of lettuce is used in this bisque?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 a head of shredded iceberg lettuce.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this bisque?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How do I prepare the leeks for this recipe?
You should use only the white parts of the leeks and chop them finely before cooking.
What herbs are required for the seasoning?
The recipe uses chopped parsley, fresh tarragon, and dried chervil for its aromatic profile.
When should I add the whipping cream?
The whipping cream should be stirred in after the soup has been pureed and thoroughly chilled, just before serving.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
Puree the soup in a blender until smooth. For an even creamier finish, you can strain it through a fine sieve.
Can I serve this soup hot?
While designed to be a chilled bisque, the flavors also work well if served warm, though the refreshing quality is best enjoyed cold.
How long do I need to simmer the peas?
The mixture should simmer covered on low heat for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until the peas are tender.
What if the soup is too thick after chilling?
You can adjust the consistency by stirring in a little additional chicken stock or cream until you reach your desired thickness.
Is there a specific garnish recommended?
The recipe suggests garnishing with fresh herbs of your choice before serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
Each serving contains about 10g of carbohydrates.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh tarragon?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh tarragon.
Should the leeks be browned while cooking?
No, the leeks should be cooked until tender and translucent, but not allowed to brown.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of butter.
Can this be served as a starter?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated starter or a light meal for warm days.
Is this a good recipe for spring gatherings?
Yes, it highlights spring flavors like fresh peas and is ideal for picnics or lunch gatherings.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken stock.
What type of black pepper should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Is chervil necessary?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of dried chervil to enhance the aromatic herb profile.
How long does it take to wilt the lettuce?
It takes about 2 to 3 minutes for the shredded lettuce to wilt in the pot.
Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes, since it needs to chill for at least 2 hours, it is a great make-ahead dish.
Is this recipe low-fiber?
The specific fiber count is not provided, but it contains fiber from the peas and lettuce.