Lemony Artichoke Soup Recipe Gimme Some Oven

CREAMY ARTICHOKE SOUP

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a heavy, large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and the garlic and stir. Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the artichokes, stock, salt, and pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Using a handheld immersion blender, or in a blender in batches*, puree the soup. Add the 2 tablespoons mascarpone and blend again to combine. In a small bowl, stir the remaining 1/3 cup mascarpone to soften.
• Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Dollop the top of each of the soups with a spoonful of the softened mascarpone cheese and top the cheese with chives.
• * When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

LEMONY ARTICHOKE AND POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Fill large bowl with water and squeeze the lemon halves into it. Working with one artichoke at a time, trim the base, removing the stem and trimming the tough outer leaves beneath the heart. Cut off the top 2/3 of the leaves, leaving only the heart. With a small spoon, scrape out the hairy choke. Submerge the trimmed artichoke in the lemon water. Repeat with the five remaining artichokes. Once the hearts have been trimmed, slice them 1/4" thick and return them to the lemon water.
• In a large deep saucepan, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over low heat until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes.
• Drain the artichokes and add them to the sauce pan along with the potatoes, the 6 1/2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to boil.
• Put the peppercorns in a teaball or tie them up in a piece of cheesecloth and immerse them in the soup.
• Simmer until both the peppercorns and potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Discard the peppercorns.
• Using a fork or potato masher, partially mash the potatoes to thicken the broth. Season the soup with salt. Ladle into bowls and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with the lemon wedges.