I have to apologize but I have not had much time for ST this past month as twice I've been up north with my MIL who has advanced lung cancer and also I've had family here from Italy. Palma reminded me this morning as I'd forgotten that this was my week for the soup. So... here's my recipe which I have been making since 1982. The recipe is from "The Best of Bon Appetit Cookbook" the 1982 edition. I love this soup...but I will warn you it is pretty rich. Hope you all like it.

Ida

Artichoke Soup

For 4 to 6 servings:

3 Tab butter
4 Tab Minced Shallots
1 and a half Tab flour
3 and a half cups Chicken Stock
3 1 lb cans of artichokes (drained)
1 cup half and half ( I have tried fat free half n half and it was ok )
S/P

Melt butter in a skillet over med heat,allowing it to brown just lightly. Add shallots and saute briefly till softened . Stir in flour and cook 2 to 3 min.

Heat stock or chicken broth in a 2 qt. saucepan.Add flour mixture, stirring constantly.Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 min.

Puree artichokes in food processor or blender. Add thickened chicken stock and half n half. Blend thoroughly about 30 seconds.
Season with S n P. Serve Hot or Cold. I serve it hot.

It can be made ahead ,refrigerated and reheated to serve.

Thanks, Ida - this looks great!
I love cream of artichoke soup, but have never made it at home. I might try this recipe with vegetable stock instead of chicken.

As we are trying to somewhat "diet" , I used fat free 1/2 n 1/2 and only made one bowl of soup.I also didn't really add any salt as I think the canned artichoke hearts are salty enough and I used white instead of black pepper. I hope you guys like it.

Ida

I made this yesterday since we are going off to a wedding weekend. I did use salt, and white pepper like Ida. And instead of putting the artichokes in a food processor, I simmered them for a few minutes in the broth, then used my immersion blender. Then I added the shallot/flour mixture, and last the 1/2 and 1/2. It was delicious, a very springlike end for Sunday Slow Soupers.

Marcia I too used the immersion blender. I must say it was an easier faster cleanup. I'm happy you enjoyed the soup. Are those scallions floating on top? It looks really pretty .

Ida

This is a souper simple soup! I will use frozen artichokes next time~ that 'canned' taste just can't be hidden. Maybe it is just me.
I served mine with a slice of pizza... this might just be a perfect meal for the villa in Montisi.
Thanks Ida!

quote:

I will use frozen artichokes next time~ that 'canned' taste just can't be hidden. Maybe it is just me.

I thought the same thing. Unfortunately I have never seen frozen artichokes here in Canada . . .

That aside it was great soup and easy to make.

I used half of the required butter and didn't use cream at all . . . I used 1 cup of 1 % milk - it was plenty creamy for us.

Thanks Ida

I didn't taste any canned taste. I also used an immersion blender and used 1/2 cup each of milk and half & half. Easy, quick soup! Thanks, Ida.

We are having soup for lunch, even though it is hitting 94 today. It will make a yummy treat in the middle of pool time.

I usually use artichokes found in jars, the large ones that Costco, BJ's or Sam's Club carries as i usually double or triple the amount of soup made..They are packed in water not marinated. Of the canned ones I use Progresso and like them the best.

Glad you liked this easy soup.

Ida

I used canned artichokes from Trader Joe's, and had no "taste" problem either. I am about to have a bowl for lunch right now.

And yes, Ida, I just snipped some chives on mine (for the picture ).

What a nice way to close out the Slow Soupers. Very easy. A little salty for me but very tasty. Thanks Ida. (I followed Marcia's lead and used some chives that I had).

I decided to join in on this last Souper choice because I love artichokes. I did not puree all the artichoke hearts and loved the bits and pieces. I topped mine with a few oyster crackers and some bits (few very) green onions... no chives in my kitchen

It's delicious, Ida. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

We had our soup for dinner and really enjoyed it. I topped it with a tarragon sprig from the garden. Really easy to make - thanks, Ida!

Nancy

quote:

I have never seen frozen artichokes here in Canada . . .

Not in Alabama either~ We'll have to add it to our Trader Joe's dream list.
There is no telling how old the cans were. I don't think there is much of a demand for $4 cans of artichokes at The Pig'.

I have really enjoyed making the soups ever week. I am posting a roundup today. We had a real variety.
Good Job Slow Soupers!

I made this soup tonight, and we both loved it. Fresh flavors, and perfect for spring. Thanks, Ida.

Wow! Terry, your soup looks so much greener than the rest of ours. I wonder why.

Nancy

Wow, you're right, Nancy. I think it's probably because I only used about 1/4 cup of creamer.