Creamy Ham and Pea


 * Serves 4

Ingredients

 * 30 g (1 oz) butter
 * 1 shallot chopped
 * 1 tbsp flour
 * 570 ml (1pt) medium dry white wine
 * 280 ml (½) double cream
 * 110 g (4 oz) thickly sliced ham diced
 * 230 g (8 oz) peas
 * 1 little lettuce shredded
 * salt and pepper

Croutons

 * 3 – 4 tbsp olive oil
 * 3 thick slices white bread, crusts removed and cut into 2½ cm (1 in) cubes.

Directions

 * 1) Melt the butter until it starts to foam.
 * 2) Add the shallot and cook until soft but not coloured.
 * 3) Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour.
 * 4) Don't return the pan to the heat.
 * 5) Add the wine very gradually, waiting until it has all been absorbed before adding more add the cream the same way.
 * 6) Return the pan to the heat and bring to the boil, stirring all a the time.
 * 7) Add the ham and peas, cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
 * 8) Add the lettuce and remove the pan from the heat.

Croutons

 * 1) Heat the oil in a pan and fry the cubes of bread until they're crisp and golden.
 * 2) Drain on kitchen paper.
 * 3) Season the soup, spoon into bowl and sprinkle with croutons.