CHILLED ENGLISH PEA SOUP WITH EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• FOR PEAS: Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan.
• Salt the water, then add the peas and bring the water back to a boil.
• Cook over moderate heat until very tender, about 20 minutes.
• Drain the peas, reserving the cooking liquid.
• Set aside 1/4 cup of peas.
• FOR SOUP: In a food processor, combine the remaining peas with 1/4 cup of the olive oil and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid and puree until smooth.
• Work the puree through a fine sieve into a large bowl.
• Discard the contents of the sieve.
• Stir in about 4 cups of the cooking liquid and season with salt and pepper; add more cooking liquid if necessary to make a nice, creamy soup.
• Refrigerate the soup until cold, at least 2 hours.
• FOR CROUTONS: In a large skillet, melt the butter in the vegetable oil.
• Add the diced bread and brown the cubes on all sides over moderately high heat, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Drain the croutons on paper towels.
• TO SERVE: Ladle the cold soup into bowls and garnish each with a few of the croutons and reserved peas.
• Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with pepper and serve.
• MAKE AHEAD: The soup can be prepared through Step 2 and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
• The croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.