Chilled Artichoke Soup

This soup is to artichokes what vichysoisse is to leeks! Delicious as a starter (particularly for an Italian meal) or lunch on a warm day. If you are stumped by the metrics, don't forget you can use the handy converter provided by 'Zaar (to be found just after the quantity). Preparation time DOES NOT include 3-4 hour chilling time.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  onion, finally chopped
• 1  garlic clove, finely minced
• 2 (800 g) cans artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
• 600  ml vegetable broth
• 150  ml sour cream
• 2  tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely minced
• 2  sun-dried tomatoes, in thin strips (optional, as garnish)

Directions

1. Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan and saute the onion and garlic just until they are softened, but not browned.
2. Add the artichoke hearts and vegetable broth to the mixture.
3. Bring to the boil, then reduce the temperature to a simmer; partially cover the pan and allow to simmer for 3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, and puree the mixture with a hand blender (or do the same in a food processor) until smooth.
5. Return to the saucepan and allow to cool completely.
6. After it is cooled, add the sour cream and the thyme.
7. Place in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 hours before serving.
8. When serving, garnish each bowl with sun-dried tomato strips, if desired.