Creamy Marinated Artichoke Soup
Indulge in the rich and velvety texture of this Creamy Marinated Artichoke Soup, perfect for serving as a delightful appetizer or a warming first course. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of marinated artichokes, fragrant shallots, and a splash of white wine, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also elegant enough for entertaining. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of fresh herbs, this dish brings a touch of sophistication to your dining table while being a comforting treat for any occasion. Created in collaboration with culinary enthusiasts, this recipe has been a favorite in kitchens for years!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/2 tablespoon (none)
White onion
1/8, finely chopped (finely chopped)
Garlic clove
1, minced (minced)
Shallot
1, minced (minced)
Marinated artichoke hearts
2 cups, drained and finely chopped (drained and finely chopped)
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 1/4 cups (none)
Champagne or white wine
1/4 cup (none)
Brandy
1 tablespoon (none)
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons, grated (freshly grated)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Sugar
if desired (none)
Fresh Italian parsley or dill
for garnish (to garnish)
Nonfat plain yogurt or sour cream
optional (to serve)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped white onion, minced garlic, and minced shallot. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the drained and finely chopped marinated artichoke hearts, chicken or vegetable broth, champagne or white wine, and brandy. Mix well.
4
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency (or transfer to a blender in batches).
6
Season with fresh ground pepper and add sugar to taste, if desired.
7
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of nonfat plain yogurt or sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley or dill before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Marinated Artichoke Soup?
It is a rich and velvety soup featuring the vibrant flavors of marinated artichokes, shallots, and white wine, often served as an elegant appetizer or comforting first course.
Is this artichoke soup easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and easy, involving simple sautéing, simmering, and a quick blend for a gourmet result.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The preparation involves about 2 minutes of sautéing followed by 10 minutes of simmering, making it a very fast meal.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian by choosing vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What type of artichokes should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for marinated artichoke hearts that have been drained and finely chopped.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth and substitute the Parmesan cheese and yogurt or sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
What alcohol is used in this soup?
The recipe uses a combination of champagne or white wine and a tablespoon of brandy for a sophisticated flavor profile.
Can I omit the alcohol?
Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the wine and brandy with extra broth or a splash of white grape juice with a drop of lemon.
What equipment do I need to achieve a creamy texture?
An immersion blender is recommended for pureeing the soup directly in the pot, though a standard blender used in batches also works.
What should I use for garnishing?
Suggested garnishes include grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of nonfat plain yogurt or sour cream, and fresh Italian parsley or dill.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and artichokes, while offering options for low-fat toppings.
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of marinated ones?
While possible, the flavor profile will change significantly as the marinated artichokes provide specific tangy and herbaceous notes essential to this recipe.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
Sugar is an optional addition to help balance the acidity from the marinated artichokes and the wine to your personal taste.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for finely chopped white onion for its mild and clean flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months and reheat gently on the stove.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always check your broth and marinated artichoke labels to ensure no gluten-based additives are present.
What serves as the base for the soup's creaminess?
The creaminess comes from pureeing the marinated artichokes and aromatics together, supplemented by the optional addition of yogurt or sour cream.
Can I serve this as a main meal?
While it is an excellent appetizer, you can serve it as a main meal paired with a hearty salad or crusty bread.
What is a good substitute for shallots?
If you don't have shallots, you can use the white part of green onions or a small amount of additional red onion.
How much broth is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
Red wine is not recommended as it will drastically change the color and flavor profile of the soup; white wine or champagne is preferred.
What herbs work best for garnish?
Fresh Italian parsley or dill are the recommended herbs for adding a fresh finish to the dish.
Is the brandy essential?
The brandy adds a unique depth of flavor, but the soup will still be delicious if you choose to leave it out.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic with the onions over medium heat for only about 2 minutes until translucent to avoid bitterness.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs are best for garnishing, you can add a pinch of dried herbs during the simmering stage if fresh are unavailable.
Is this soup spicy?
No, the soup is mild and savory, though you can adjust the amount of fresh ground pepper to suit your heat preference.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is scalable; given the ingredient amounts like 2 cups of artichokes, it typically serves 2 as a starter or 1 as a light lunch.
Does the soup contain dairy?
The recipe includes Parmesan cheese and yogurt or sour cream as garnishes, which contain dairy, but these can be omitted.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add leeks or potatoes for extra thickness, though it will deviate from the specific marinated artichoke flavor profile.