Fresh Pea and Artichoke Soup (Sicily)

Soups

Ingredients

Artichokes - 3 young

Lemon - 1

Olive oil - 4 tbsps

Garlic, crushed - 1 clove

Green peas, shelled - 1 pound

Parsley, finely chopped - 2 sprigs

Water - 7 1/2 cups

Baking soda - pinch

Salt

Grated parmesan cheese

Slices of toasted bread

Remove the outer leaves and cut the artichokes into quarters. Wash them in water acidulated with a little lemon juice.  Heat the olive oil in a large pan and saute the garlic until brown. Discard it, then add the peas, artichokes and parsley. Fry for 1 minute. Dissolve the soda in a little of the water and add it to the pan, together with the remaining water. Sprinkle lightly with salt, cover the pan and cook over a low heat for 30 minutes.

Serve very hot, garnished with plenty of grated cheese and slices of toasted bread.

Serves 6