PEA, LETTUCE AND FENNEL SOUP

Pea, Lettuce and Fennel Soup image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 small shallots, chopped
1 medium fennel bulb, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 medium head Bibb lettuce, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
One 10-ounce package frozen petite peas (about 2 1/4 cups)
1 1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth, plus extra, as needed
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

Steps:

Melt the butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and fennel. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 the teaspoon pepper. Cover the saucepan and cook until almost tender, stirring occasionally, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the lettuce and toss until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in the peas, broth, 1 cup water and fennel seeds. Bring the soup to a boil. Cover; reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables are just tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
In a blender, blend the soup, 1 cup at a time, until smooth. Pour the soup back into the saucepan and keep warm over low heat. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Thin out the soup by adding 1 tablespoon of extra broth at a time, if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.