Ingredients
1/2 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms, divided1 tablespoon butter1/4 cup chopped onion1 garlic clove, minced1/2 cup half-and-half cream3 tablespoons sherry or reduced-sodium chicken broth1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme3/4 teaspoon salt, divided5 cups fresh or frozen peas, divided3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth2 tablespoons lemon juice4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
Preparation
Set aside 3 tablespoons mushrooms for garnish. In a large skillet, saute remaining mushrooms in butter until tender.
Add onion to skillet; saute until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the cream, sherry, thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer to a blender; process until smooth. Set aside.
In a Dutch oven, combine 4-1/2 cups peas, chicken broth and remaining salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4 minutes or until peas are tender. Stir in lemon juice and basil; heat through. Transfer to a blender; process in batches until blended.
Ladle soup into serving bowls; top with mushroom cream sauce. Garnish with reserved mushrooms and remaining peas.
