Seasoning a Pea Puree

Peas are naturally sweet, and that sweetness masks how much salt a pea puree actually needs — far more than most cooks expect. Season in stages: blend the cooked peas smooth with butter and cream, then add fine sea salt and white pepper, blend briefly and taste. Add more salt a pinch at a time, and finish with a small squeeze of lemon to lift and brighten. Crucially, taste the puree on its own, not alongside a salty component like black pudding that can flatter an under-seasoned puree. Keep adjusting until it tastes vivid and well-balanced by itself.