Cream of Artichoke and Mushroom Soup
Description
The exquisite marriage of artichoke hearts and mushrooms creates a delightful harmony of rich flavors and velvety textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This delightful soup, featuring just a handful of ingredients, is incredibly easy to prepare and can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a cozy brunch or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Artichoke hearts | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Green onion | 5 stalks |
| Butter | 5 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Half-and-half cream | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Cayenne pepper | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 414.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 82.9 mg |
| Sodium | 907.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.1 g |
| Sugars | 3.4 g |
| Protein | 12.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Artichokes: Begin by draining the canned artichoke hearts, ensuring that any excess liquid is removed. Chop the artichokes into small, bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
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Slice the Mushrooms: Take your fresh mushrooms and thinly slice them. This will help them cook evenly and integrate beautifully into the soup.
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Chop the Green Onions: Finely chop the green onions, including the tender green tops, as they will add both flavor and color to your soup.
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Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes bubbly and fragrant. This will serve as the flavorful base for your soup.
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Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Add the chopped green onions and sliced mushrooms to the melted butter. Sauté them for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms soften.
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Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously to ensure that the flour coats the mixture evenly. This step helps thicken the soup as it cooks.
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Cook the Flour: Allow the flour to cook slowly for about 2 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and gives the soup a richer flavor.
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Add Broth and Cream: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, followed by the half-and-half cream. Stir constantly to combine all ingredients and prevent any lumps from forming.
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Heat and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to heat very slowly. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
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Stir in Artichokes and Seasonings: Finally, fold in the chopped artichokes along with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This luxurious Cream of Artichoke and Mushroom Soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. It can also be garnished with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an extra touch of elegance.
Conclusion
With its rich and comforting flavors, this Cream of Artichoke and Mushroom Soup is sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Easy to prepare and delightful to savor, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home. Enjoy every velvety spoonful!
