Garden Pea Broth with Mint and Chive Blossoms

The Broth Kitchen • Recipe 28 • IndigoKoi Wellness, LLC

Sweet peas and mint meet a light onion note from edible chive blossoms in a spring-green broth.

Vegan light blended broth | Yield: About 5 cups | Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1 shallot, sliced

• 5 cups unsalted vegetable broth

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon washed edible chive florets, optional

Method

1. Soften shallot in oil for 4 minutes. Add broth, bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes.

2. Add peas and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add mint.

3. Blend carefully with an immersion blender in a deep pot, keeping the blade submerged. For a thinner broth, pass through a sieve. Add lemon juice and garnish with optional chive florets.

Coach Winona’s kitchen note

Use correctly identified culinary chive flowers, separated into small florets. Peas kept in the blended broth provide more substance than straining them out.

Make it your own

Taste after simmering before adding salt. Use unsalted broth for the greatest control over seasoning; a homemade base or a store-bought option both work. Broth yields vary with pot size and evaporation. A strained broth is a meal foundation; add the suggested beans, tofu, meat or grains when you want a fuller bowl.

Cooling, storage and reheating

Cool promptly in small, shallow containers; refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), at 40°F or below. Use within 3–4 days or freeze in suitable containers with expansion space. Reheat soup and broth to a rolling boil; solid leftovers should reach 165°F. Reheat only the portion needed.

Choosing edible flowers

Choose only correctly identified edible flowers grown for food without unsuitable pesticide treatments. Avoid florist flowers and unidentified garden cuttings. Wash gently and start with a small amount; omit flowers if you have a known allergy to the plant.

Food-safety guidance

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety

University of Minnesota Extension, Edible flowers: https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/gardening-minnesota/edible-flowers