Minted pea and ham soup

Recipe : Pea soup

1 small packet of frozen peas or 1 lb of fresh peas, podded

1.5 ham stock cubes dissolved in 3 cups boiling water or 3 cups ham stock or chicken stock.

2 tbsp finely minced fresh mint

2 tbsp cream

1/4 tsp salt

freshly ground black pepper

red pepper flakes to garnish (optional)

In a heavy pan, heat the stock until boiling and add the peas. Stir well, bring to the boil, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for about 20 minutes.

Add the mint, salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

When cool, blend and add the cream. Stir well.

Re heat and serve with a little extra cream, pepper and the red pepper flakes.

If you want to add a ham or bacon flavour without the ham stock, add some fried smoked bacon slices to the soup, along with a little of the flavoured oil they cooked in or garnish with some crispy fried bacon.