recipe:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green part only, cleaned and sliced
Salt to taste
5 cups frozen or fresh peas (1 1/2 pounds, or 2 12-ounce bags frozen)
3 cups, tightly packed, coarsely chopped Boston or bibb lettuce
5 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
1/4 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup chopped chives, plus additional for garnish
Chopped fresh tarragon, chives and/or mint for garnish
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Add the peas, lettuce and stock or water, and bring to a boil. Add salt to taste, reduce the heat, cover and simmer five minutes. Remove from the heat. Drain through a strainer set over a bowl, and allow the vegetables and the broth to cool for 15 minutes. Taste the broth, and season as desired.
2. Working in batches, purée the vegetables and herbs in a blender with the broth and additional olive oil for two minutes until frothy and smooth. Pour into a bowl, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings. Chill for several hours.
3. Serve, garnishing with additional chives, tarragon and/or mint.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/