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1
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
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2
Add the carrots, onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
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3
Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are just tender but not browned, about 15 minutes.
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4
Add 4 cups water and bring to a boil.
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5
Remove from the heat.
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6
Crush the mint, rosemary, and thyme in your hands and wrap tightly in cheesecloth.
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7
Submerge in the water, cover the saucepan, and let steep for 1 hour.
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8
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
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9
Fill a large bowl with ice and water.
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10
Add the peas to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
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11
Drain, reserving a bit of the cooking water, and immediately transfer to the ice water.
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12
When cool, drain again well, at least 10 minutes.
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13
Put half of the peas in a food processor or blender.
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14
Puree until extremely smooth, adding a little liquid from the saucepan if needed and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently.
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15
Remove and discard the sachet of herbs from the saucepan.
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16
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the remaining whole peas.
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17
Cook just until the peas are heated through, about 5 minutes.
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18
Stir in the pea puree and return to a simmer.
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19
Season the soup with salt and pepper.
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20
Ladle into serving bowls.
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21
Top with the chile, sliced mint, and croutons.
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22
If broiling, arrange the broiler rack 4 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler.
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23
Put the bread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle generously with oil.
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24
Broil until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes.
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25
Begin checking at 1 minute and stir or turn to brown evenly.
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26
If sauteing, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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27
Coat the bottom of the skillet with oil and add the bread.
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28
Cook, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.
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29
Drain on paper towels.
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30
When fresh peas are not in season (honestly, about eleven months of the year), you can use 5 1/2 cups thawed frozen peas instead.
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31
Omit the blanching step and proceed as above, cooking the whole peas just until heated through, about 1 minute.
