Quick Chilled Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 1 (14.4-ounce) package frozen petite green peas
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup ice water
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. 1. Reserve 1/2 cup peas from package. Place remaining peas and 1/4 cup water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with plastic wrap; pierce once with a knife to vent. Microwave at HIGH 5 minutes. Add spinach; cover and microwave at HIGH 2 minutes. Drain and rinse well with cold water; drain.
2. 2. While peas cook, heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add reserved 1/2 cup peas and 1 minced garlic clove; sauté 4 minutes or until peas begin to brown, stirring frequently. Set aside.
3. 3. Place spinach mixture, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 cup ice water, chopped fresh mint, fresh lemon juice, and salt in a blender; blend until smooth (about 4 minutes). Add half-and-half; blend until just combined. Pour about 3/4 cup soup into each of 4 bowls; sprinkle evenly with sautéed peas and freshly ground black pepper.