#bxllockdown Day 58

Hero Week / Artichoke / Recipe 3

Artichokes are a very versitile taste and it is so easy to pass it up as leek in a soup to your kids, who may otherwise turn their noses up to this “weird” looking vegetable.

Artichoke soup with lemons is a relatively French recipe, in the way it is made. First of all it has a butter base, a lot of garlic and a roux (flour and butter mix) a natural thickening agent for soups and sauces. There is enough garlic to chase away a small army of “newbie” vampires… you would need more if you want to chase away the experienced ones.

It’s silky, it’s creamy without the cream and if you use plant based butter it’s it’s totally vegan.

What you Need:

• 4 tbsp butter or margarine
• 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalk, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 6 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 jar small leafy artichoke hearts, ends and petals separated
• 1 jar of artichoke hearts, cubed
• Salt and pepper, to season
• 1 tsp smoked paprika, lemon slices, and/or chopped fresh herbs

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What you do:

1. Separate the leafy artichoke heart by slicing off the ends of the artichoke hearts and set them aside for the broth
2. Separate the remaining artichoke petals. Fluff them make sure they are no longer stuck together
3. Melt the butter and add the flour. Whisk it until the flour turns in colour and releases its water.
4. Add the onion, celery and the garlic and cook until the onions are browned
5. Add the thyme, give it a good stir and then add the potatoes cook for a few minutes
6. Once it is all mixed in together add the stock, and artichoke ends and hearts (not the petals) and stir to combine. 
7. Continue cooking the soup until it reaches a simmer, then add the lemon juice and stir well
8. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes then let it cool before you puree
9. Carefully puree the broth until it is completely smooth
10. Add the artichoke petals and stir to combine. 
11. Taste and season with salt and pepper
12. Serve warm and enjoy!