Artichoke White Bean Soup Recipes

WHITE BEAN AND ARTICHOKE GRATIN

Steps:

• Bring a small amount of water to a simmer in a pot and set a steamer basket over it.
• Using a sharp paring knife, peel the stems on the artichokes and remove the tougher outer leaves; remove the inner leaves by hand, then cut away the center chokes. Place the artichokes in the steamer basket, cover and cook until tender when pierced, about 30 minutes, adding hot water if needed during cooking. Roughly chop the artichokes into 1/2-inch pieces and combine them with the cannellini beans and leeks in a large bowl.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the Parmigiano-Reggiano, heavy cream and creme fraiche. Pour into the artichoke mixture and toss well. The mixture should be creamy and smooth; if too thick, add more cream to thin. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Pour the mixture into an 8-inch casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, thyme leaves and lemon zest; sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
• Bake the gratin until the mixture is bubbly and the crust is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fleur de sel.

WHITE BEAN & ARTICHOKE SOUP

Steps:

• In a stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté onion in the olive oil until translucent (approx. 3-5 minutes).
• Add the pepper, artichoke hearts, garlic, salt, roasted red pepper, sage, and bay leaf. Stir for 1 minute.
• Add the vegetable broth and beans. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for five minutes or until the beans are heated through. In batches, transfer soup to a blender and puree until smooth, or use an immersion blender right in the pot.
• Add soup back to stockpot and stir in lemon juice. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

ARTICHOKE & WHITE BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• Puree artichoke hearts and beans in the food processor.
• Heat the oil over medium heat in a small saucepan.
• Add the garlic and saute.
• Add the artichoke/bean puree and the broth and heat through.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with mint and croutons.

WHITE BEAN-ARTICHOKE SPREAD WITH BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Preheat a grill.
• Begin by peeling 2 of the artichokes until you get to the hearts. Saute the artichokes in a medium size skillet with olive oil, shallots, thyme, and the white beans on medium high heat for 10 minutes or until softened. Place mixture into a blender and add remaining ingredients, and pulse until all ingredients are blended.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot.
• To make the crisp artichokes, simply cut the tough leaves around the artichokes until you reach the heart, keeping part of the stem. Cut into quarters, toss lightly in flour, and fry until crisp in the oil. Remove from pan, and drain on paper towels.
• To make the balsamic reduction, simply put the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan on high heat, and reduce down to almost a syrup consistency. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature.
• To serve, grill 4 slices of sourdough bread rubbed with olive oil. Place on a serving plate. Top each slice with a few arugula leaves. Lightly spread a spoonful of the pureed artichoke mixture on the bread, and then top with crisp artichoke pieces. Drizzle a little balsamic reduction around bruschetta, and season with salt and pepper.