Artichoke Soup

This is a great starter for an elegant meal.

• Ready In: 1 hr 35 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 6 -8  artichokes
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1  onion
• 3  stalks celery
• 1  potato
• 1 -2  bay leaf
•  water (to cover)
• 2  cups heavy cream
•  salt (to taste)
• 1  teaspoon white pepper
• 1⁄4 cup pine nuts, toasted and chopped

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil, add chopped onion and chopped celery and dash of salt. Allow to caramelize.
2. Quarter artichokes, removing chokes, add to pot. Add diced potato and bay leaves.
3. Add water to cover.
4. Cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
5. In batches, puree in blender or food processor. Strain through fine meshed sieve or chinois to remove fibers.
6. Return to pot. Add cream, salt and pepper to taste.
7. Reheat.
8. Serve in heated soup plates with chopped nuts sprinkled over as garnish.