Garlicky Artichoke Soup Recipe
Description:
Transport yourself to the bustling streets of San Francisco with this delightful Garlicky Artichoke Soup, inspired by the iconic flavors from The Stinking Rose Restaurant. This soup is a simple yet hearty dish that’s packed with robust garlic flavor and creamy texture. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course with crusty bread or as a comforting starter in a full meal, it’s sure to impress. Perfectly suited for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings together artichokes, roasted garlic, and Monterey Jack cheese in a way that’s both delicious and satisfying. If you don’t include the roasting time for the garlic, you can have this soup ready in about an hour. 🌟
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups water-packed artichoke hearts
- 2 onions, diced
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cloves roasted garlic (see instructions for roasting)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare Artichokes and Aromatics:
- Begin by cutting the artichoke hearts in half. Place them into a large pot along with the diced onions, fresh thyme, bay leaves, and chicken stock. 🥄
-
Season and Boil:
- Add a pinch of salt to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the artichokes are very soft. This should take about 20-25 minutes. 🍲
-
Blend the Soup:
- Once the artichokes are tender, use a hand-held blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender in batches and blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve or pass it through a food mill to remove any remaining solids, such as the bay leaves and thyme. 🌀
-
Incorporate Roasted Garlic:
- Return the pureed soup to the pot if you’ve used a blender. Bring the soup back to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the roasted garlic, heavy cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, and the soup is smooth. 🧄🧀
-
Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Once seasoned to your liking, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or as part of a larger meal. 🍞✨
Serving Suggestions:
This Garlicky Artichoke Soup is ideal as a main dish when served with a side of freshly baked bread, making it a complete and satisfying meal. For a more elaborate dinner, pair it with a crisp green salad, a hearty entree, and a sweet dessert to create a memorable dining experience. 🍽️
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 365.3
- Fat: 22.9g
- Saturated Fat: 13.5g
- Cholesterol: 77mg
- Sodium: 475.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 28.6g
- Fiber: 7.7g
- Sugar: 5.6g
- Protein: 15.2g
This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for a small gathering or family meal. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and creamy texture of this delicious soup! 🍲💛
