Pea, Lettuce & Celery Soup Recipe - (3.8/5)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as safflower or canola
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 leek, cut into small pieces and rinsed in several changes of cool water
• 2 sticks celery, cut into small pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely sliced
• 4 cups boiling vegetable stock, plus more to thin, if needed
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white or black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar, plus more to taste
• 2 (14-16-ounce) bags frozen peas, thawed
• Leaves from 1 head Bibb or 1 small head Boston lettuce
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
• Fried diced chorizo, pancetta, bacon or prosciutto, for garnish (optional)
• Small croutons, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped toasted hazelnuts, for garnish (optional)