Why You’ll Love This Soup
Artichokes are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like C and K. Combined with onions, butter, and milk, this soup is smooth, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a great way to introduce more plant-based dishes into your diet, while still keeping meals hearty and comforting.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 medium onions, peeled and finely minced
- 2 oz (about 60g) unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450g) fresh artichokes, scrubbed and sliced thinly
- 1 pint (480ml) water
- 1 pint (480ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fried bread croutons, for serving
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Caramelize the onions: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced onions and sauté until golden brown and fragrant, about 5–10 minutes.
- Prepare the artichokes: While the onions are cooking, scrub the artichokes well and slice them thinly. Add them to the pan with the onions and stir for another 5 minutes to soften.
- Add flour and liquid: Sprinkle the flour over the onion-artichoke mixture and stir well to combine. Slowly add the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- Add milk and simmer: Pour in the milk and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the artichokes to become tender.
- Season and blend: Add salt and pepper to taste. Use a hand blender or transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender to puree until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Reheat if necessary, pour into bowls, and garnish with fried bread croutons for added texture and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Artichoke Cream Soup
- Use fresh, young artichokes for a sweeter, tender flavor.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more milk for a lighter soup or less for a richer, creamier consistency.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and milk with plant-based milk.
- Pair with a light salad or crusty bread for a full meal.
Why This Soup Works for Budget-Friendly Cooking
This soup is both economical and wholesome. Artichokes, onions, and milk are affordable and readily available ingredients, making it easy to prepare nutritious meals without overspending. Perfect for families, students, or anyone looking for plant-based, budget-friendly comfort food.
Brown Artichoke Cream Soup proves that healthy, vegetarian meals can be delicious, elegant, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a gourmet-style soup in your own kitchen.
