Peas are vegetable proteins that offers remarkable nutritional benefits. They are also sweet by nature making them a favorite for kids. This soup combines the anise flavor of fennel with the starch and sweetens of peas. It’s a favorite of all my daughter’s friends.

Ingredients:

• one  fennel bulb greens discarded
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 medium shallot
• 1 leek white part only, chopped(can substitute yellow onion)
• 3 garlic cloves
• fresh or frozen green peas (2-3 cups)
• salt and pepper
• chicken or vegetable stock ( can use water if none available)
• half and half

Prepare shallot, leek and garlic. Don’t need to chop them very fine since they will be blended. Cut the greens out of fennel and slice it. Saute the shallot, leek and garlic briefly in avocado oil (or your choice of oil or butter). Add fennel. Add stock or water just enough to cover the fennel. Season with salt and pepper and let it simmer till almost done. Add the peas at cook for 5 minutes until they are bright green. If you cook too much they loose the bright green color and the final result becomes a non appetizing soup :).  Blend the soup either with a hand blender for chunky texture or with Vitamix for a smooth velvety texture. Add half and half slowly till you like the taste. Adjust salt and pepper based on your liking. Serve it in small bowls with oyster crackers or home made bread croutons.

Enjoy!