Curried Fresh Pea Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Slice the onion into fine rounds and cook in half the butter in the saucepan until softened and a pale gold.
2. 2
   Add lettuce to the onion in the pan, allow to soften for 8 minutes, add curry powder and stir well.
3. 3
   Pour in stock and salt lightly.
4. 4
   Bring to the boil and cook briskly for 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Add parsley and peas.
6. 6
   Do not cover the pan while cooking, this will preserve the rich green of the peas.
7. 7
   While the vegetables are cooking.
8. 8
   Saute bread with remaining butter in a frying pan, stirring well, until they are golden.
9. 9
   Drain and keep hot.
10. 10
    Blend cooked peas until creamy.
11. 11
    Strain the pureed soup through a fine sieve.
12. 12
    Pour the soup back into the saucepan and reheat.
13. 13
    Add 5 tablespoons of cream as it comes to the boil.
14. 14
    Check seasoning and serve in piping hot plates and sprinkle each serving with crisp croutons.