Chilled Sugar Snap Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 1 1/2 pounds sugar snap peas, washed and cut crosswise into ½-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Preparation

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes. Add the sugar snap peas and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Mix in the sugar and salt and cook 1 minute more. Stir the half-and-half with 3 cups of water in a large measuring cup. Place half the snap-pea mixture in a blender or food processor. Pour in half the water mixture and puree until very smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Pour the soup through a strainer and chill for at least 4 hours. Sprinkle with the chives (if desired) before serving.