Quick and Easy Artichoke Soup

Maito's Note:

This is a tangy and thick soup that makes a wonderful and elegant appetizer or first course.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4

Yield: 4.0 bowls

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 white onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 cups marinated artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup champagne or 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon brandy
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated (fresh) or 3 tablespoons asiago cheese
• fresh ground pepper
• sugar, if desired
• fresh Italian parsley (to garnish) or dill (to garnish)
• nonfat plain yogurt (optional) or nonfat sour cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Sauté onions, garlic, and shallots in oil over medium heat until soft, about 2 minutes.
2. Add artichoke hearts, stock, wine, and brandy.
3. Bring to a boil, turn to the lowest setting, and simmer covered 10 minutes. If you want a smoother consistency, you can puree it at this time.
4. Pepper (and sugar, if desired) to taste, and serve topped with cheese, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, and a sprinkling of fresh Italian parsley or dill.

Reviews

[Mom2Rose]

Maito - this is delicious!! I love the flavor combination!! Thank you for sharing!

[NurseJaney]

*PAC Spring2008* DH and I had this for lunch -- made 1/2 recipe. I used vegetable broth, white wine, and 1 Tbsp. brandy - and we had a small glass of white wine, just to celebrate Thursday. I used the European chopper on the marinated artichoke hearts, and the submersion blender after it simmered. It was a nice rich flavor, but we decided that the spoonsful with sour cream added a tad of taste. Will likely add a few Tbsp. of cream to the pot next time. Thanks for posting, Maito

[Engrossed]

GREAT! I LOVED this Tangy Zesty Elegant soup! I made it as directed with veggie broth, dry vermouth and cognac. I added some salt and a Splenda packet. I enjoyed it topped with a asiago cheese mix which really brought it over the top. I had finely chopped everything in my mini food processor so didn't mind the texture. I liked that the vermouth and brandy just enhanced the flavor instead of overpowering it. Made for the Please Review tag game.