Imagine a steaming bowl of rich, hearty soup that combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with the delicate, nutty flavor of artichokes. This Italian Stuffed Artichoke Soup is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dining experience. Perfect for cold evenings or when you're craving a taste of authentic Italian comfort food, this soup promises to be your new favorite go-to dish that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large artichokes, cleaned and chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the artichokes by trimming the tough outer leaves, cutting off the top inch, and removing the fuzzy choke from the center. Chop the artichoke hearts into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This will be used for the stuffing and garnish.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped artichoke pieces to the pot and stir, cooking for 3-4 minutes to develop their flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow to cook for 25-30 minutes, letting the artichokes become tender.
- Sprinkle half of the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture into the soup, stirring to thicken and add texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with the remaining breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Serve hot, preferably with a crusty Italian bread on the side.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality artichokes for the most robust flavor. Look for artichokes that are firm and have tight, compact leaves.
- When cleaning artichokes, use a sharp knife and wear gloves to prevent staining your hands. Remove the tough outer leaves and fuzzy choke carefully.
- Toast the breadcrumbs lightly before adding them to the soup for an extra layer of nutty, golden flavor.
- For a richer soup, you can substitute half the chicken broth with heavy cream or add a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions.
- If fresh artichokes are hard to find, you can use frozen or jarred artichoke hearts as a convenient alternative.
- Allow the soup to simmer slowly to help the flavors meld together and the artichokes become tender.
- Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an authentic Italian touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
