Indulge in the refreshing flavors of our minty pea soup, a perfect blend of vibrant green peas and aromatic mint. Each spoonful is a celebration of spring’s bounty, with the sweetness of peas perfectly complemented by the cool freshness of mint. Whether enjoyed as a light starter or a comforting meal, this soup offers a delightful burst of flavor that will leave you feeling nourished and invigorated.

Photo of salad with asparagus from Carly Jayne from Unsplash

Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad

Bon Appetit
Savor the vibrant flavors of spring with a refreshing Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad, bursting with seasonal goodness. This crisp and verdant salad combines tender asparagus spears, sweet peas, and creamy fava beans, tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that celebrates the freshness of the season.
Course Salad

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp finely grated Pecorino or Parmesan
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or more
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups fresh fava beans (from about 2 lb pods) or frozen fava beans, thawed
  • 2 bunches asparagus trimmed, stalks peeled if thick
  • 1 cup shelled fresh peas (from about 1 lb pods) or frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 shallot thinly sliced
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Whisk olive oil, Pecorino, and 1 Tbsp lemon juice in a medium bowl to blend. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Set dressing aside.
  • If using fresh fava beans, cook in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander set in a bowl of ice water (do not cook frozen beans). Drain and peel; place in a large bowl.
  • Return water in saucepan to a boil; add asparagus and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to colander in ice water.
  • If using fresh peas, return water in saucepan to a boil; add peas and cook until tender, about 3 minutes (do not cook frozen peas). Drain; transfer to colander in ice water. Drain vegetables. Add to bowl with fava beans.
  • Combine vegetable oil and shallot in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is golden brown and crispy, 10-12 minutes. Transfer shallot to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Add dressing to bowl with vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Transfer salad to a serving platter and top with shallot and bacon.

Notes

Note: Dressing and vegetables can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.
This recipe was originally published in the April 2013 issue of Bon Appetit.
This favorite recipe was contributed by a Backyard Eats client! She encourages home cooks to substitute ingredients as needed based their lifestyle or what's growing fresh in their garden.

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