Souper!

Time for another delicious recipe from the kitchen! Soup is a staple of the lunch menu here at the Portico and the type of soup changes on a weekly basis.  Served with a parsley garnish, crusty bread and butter and ground black pepper to taste, these soups will warm you up and fill your belly! See below for Kathy's Pea, Pear and Cucumber Soup recipe.

Pea, Pear and Cucumber Soup

Can be served hot or cold.

Serves 4-5

Ingredients:

50g butter

2 medium white onions peeled and chopped

1 small cucumber peeled and chopped

200g frozen peas

750 ml light chicken stock

-for a totally vegetarian soup use Marigold Swiss vegetable bouillon (it is very good!)

salt

pepper

2 ripe pears peeled, cored and diced

150ml whipping cream

1tbs chopped mint

Melt the butter in a roomy pan and add the onion.

Allow to stew quietly for 5 mins or so and then add the cucumber.

Stir in and cook both until limp and tender.

Tip in the peas, pears and the stock and bring to the boil.

Skim off any resultant scum that forms on the surface, season and simmer for 20 mins.

Liquidise, then pass through a sieve into a bowl.

Allow to cool to room temperature and then stir in the cream.

Adjust the seasoning once more if necessary.

Can be served hot or cold.

Garnish with a swirl of cream and chopped mint or chives!

Lunch is available in the Library for members and their guests.

Members of the public are welcome to enjoy tea or coffee and cake in the Gallery.