1.5 lb peas in the pod
1.5 pints boiling water
Salt
1 tsp sugar
2 oz butter
Half a small lettuce
5 spring onions or 2 shallots, peeled and trimmed
1/4 pt creme fraiche (optional)
Pod the peas and, using a sharp knife, cut the pods into 1/2 inch slices. Discard bits of stem as you go. Put pods into a stainless or enamelled pan and pour the boiling water over them. Add 1/4 tsp salt and the sugar, and simmer, partly covered, for 30 mins.
Meanwhile melt butter in another heavy stainless or enamelled pan. Slice the lettuce and spring onions or shallots finely and add to the butter with the peas. Turn the heat very low, or put the pan on a stove mat. Cover, and leave to simmer for 10-15 mins. Stir regularly.
When the pods are tender, blend them and then sieve them and return the puree to a clean pan.
Blend the pea and lettuce mixture and add this to the pod puree. At this point the puree can be refrigerated overnight - tastes better next day.
Reheat, adjust seasoning and serve with or without creme fraiche.
