Smoky Sweet Pea Soup

Directions

Ingredients :

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion

chopped

2 cloves garlic

minced

4 large basil leaves

chopped

2 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil

drained and chopped

4 cups water

1 dried chipotle chili pepper

1 bay leaf

2 cups sweet peas

1 tablespoon vegetable bouillon

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese

1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Methods :

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and cook until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes; cook and stir until the garlic has softened, about 2 minutes more. Pour in the water along with the chipotle pepper, bay leaf, bouillon, and vinegar. Add the peas, and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove the soup from the heat, and discard the chipotle pepper and bay leaf. Carefully puree the soup until silky smooth in batches in a blender, or use an immersion blender right in the saucepan. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of Gruyere cheese and freshly ground black pepper.