Name: Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil.; 3 stalks celery, diced.; 1 medium yellow onion, diced.; 4 cloves garlic (two if very large), minced or crushed.; Pinch red pepper flakes.; 28 ounces canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (2 cans).; 1/2 cup marinated sun dried tomatoes, sliced.; 32 ounces chicken stock or broth.; 1 Tbs. lemon juice.; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper.; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half).; 1 cup packed fresh spinach (use baby spinach or cut regular spinach into thinner shreds).; 1 cup shredded or grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese.

This Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup is an invigorating dish, perfect as a main course. Start by heating extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot. Sauté diced celery, onion, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until softened. Introduce chopped canned artichoke hearts and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in chicken stock and add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it simmer briefly before incorporating fresh spinach and heavy cream into the mixture. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir in shredded Asiago or Parmesan cheese off the heat, and serve with an additional sprinkle of cheese and pepper. Ideal for a delicious dinner, this soup serves 6-8 people and can be prepared in advance up to the addition of spinach and cream. Customize with pasta, beans, or meat for added heartiness.

Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup: A Delicious and Versatile Italian-Inspired Recipe

Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is a culinary delight that embodies the vibrant flavors and simplicity of Italian cuisine, making it an ideal dish for various meals throughout the year. This soup is not only quick to prepare, but it also offers a bright and fresh flavor profile that is perfect for spring, summer, or even the cooler fall and winter nights. Whether you are looking for a vegetarian artichoke soup, a Mediterranean-inspired dish, or simply a creamy and comforting meal, this recipe has it all.

Overview

The beauty of Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The lemon juice and zest add a zesty and refreshing touch, while the artichoke hearts provide a unique and slightly sweet flavor. This soup is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences and add various proteins or vegetables to make it more substantial.

Purpose

This recipe is a great option for several reasons. First, it is incredibly quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you need a meal in a hurry. Second, it is highly versatile; you can serve it as a light lunch or as a comforting dinner, paired with some crusty bread or a side salad. Additionally, the soup's ingredients are mostly pantry staples, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

To make this delicious Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup, you will need the following essential ingredients:

Olive Oil: You can use extra-virgin olive oil or alternatives like avocado oil, unrefined organic coconut oil, or ghee. These oils add a rich and authentic flavor to the soup.
Aromatics: Diced celery, yellow onion, and garlic are the foundation of this soup. These ingredients are sautéed together to create a fragrant and flavorful base. Red pepper flakes can be added for a slight kick of heat.
Artichokes: Canned artichoke hearts are a convenient and delicious addition to this soup. Make sure to drain and chop them before adding them to the pot.

Sun-dried Tomatoes: Marinated sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of Mediterranean flavor and color to the soup. Slice them before adding to ensure they distribute evenly.
Broth: You can use either chicken or vegetable stock/broth, depending on your dietary preferences. This is the base of the soup and helps to bring all the flavors together.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial for the bright and fresh flavor of this soup. Use at least one small lemon for the juice and some zest for added depth.

Cream: Heavy cream or half and half adds a creamy texture to the soup. You can use either one depending on how rich you want the soup to be.
Greens: Fresh spinach or kale is added towards the end of cooking to maintain its nutritional value and texture. Baby spinach or thinly sliced regular spinach works best.
Cheese: Asiago or Parmesan cheese is stirred in at the end to add a salty, cheesy flavor. You can use either one or a combination of both.

Optional Ingredients

To make your Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup even more substantial and flavorful, consider adding the following optional ingredients:

Pasta, Beans, Chicken, or Sausage: Adding pasta, beans, rotisserie chicken, or cooked sausage can make the soup heartier and more filling.
Saffron: A pinch of saffron threads can add a beautiful yellow color and a subtle earthy flavor to the soup.
Italian Seasoning: Additional herbs like Italian seasoning can enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Instructions

Initial Preparation

To start making your Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup, follow these steps:

Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. You can also use other oils like avocado oil, unrefined organic coconut oil, or ghee if you prefer.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced celery, yellow onion, and garlic to the pot. Sauté these aromatics for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.

Adding Main Ingredients

Once the aromatics are softened, it's time to add the main ingredients:

Add Artichokes, Tomatoes, and Broth: Add the chopped artichoke hearts, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken or vegetable stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest to give the soup its bright and fresh flavor.

Final Touches

To complete the soup, follow these final steps:

Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream or half and half. Bring the soup back to a simmer until the spinach is wilted and the soup is creamy.
Stir in Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded or grated cheese until it is fully incorporated. Season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Flexibility and Variations

One of the best aspects of this Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is its flexibility. Here are some ways you can customize it to your liking:

Customizable Options

Adding Proteins: You can add rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or beans to make the soup more substantial. These proteins add texture and flavor, making the soup more satisfying.
Pasta Addition: Adding pasta can turn this soup into a heartier meal. Choose any type of pasta you like, such as penne, elbow macaroni, or even gnocchi.
Spices and Herbs: Including Italian seasoning or a pinch of saffron can enhance the flavor and color of the soup. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect blend.

Dietary Adjustments

For those with specific dietary needs, here are some adjustments you can make:

Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adjust the dairy components. You can replace heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Timing and Servings

Preparation Time

Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables, draining the artichoke hearts, and preparing the other ingredients.
Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes. This is the time it takes to sauté the aromatics, simmer the soup, and add the final ingredients.
Total Time: About 30 minutes. This quick preparation time makes the soup an excellent option for busy days.

Servings

Serves: 6-8 people. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or when you have guests over. You can easily double the recipe if you need to serve a larger crowd.

Storage and Reheating

Make-Ahead Instructions

This soup can be made ahead of time, which is convenient for meal planning:

Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the soup up to the point where you add the spinach and cream. Store it in the refrigerator or freezer and add these ingredients during the reheating process just before serving.

Reheating Tips

To reheat the soup, follow these steps:

Reheat and Serve: Reheat the soup gently over low heat. Add the spinach and cream just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. This ensures that the spinach stays vibrant and the cream does not curdle.

General Notes

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of this Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is bright and fresh, thanks to the use of fresh lemon juice and zest. The artichoke hearts add a unique flavor that is both slightly sweet and savory. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of Mediterranean flavor, while the heavy cream or half and half adds a rich and creamy texture.

Nutritional Information

Here is a brief overview of the nutritional content of this soup:

Calories: Approximately 245 calories per serving.
Total Fat: 13.4 grams, with 5.9 grams of saturated fat.
Cholesterol: 27 milligrams.
Sodium: 844 milligrams.
Total Carbohydrate: 17.7 grams.
Dietary Fiber: 6.4 grams.
Total Sugars: 8.4 grams.
Protein: 13.7 grams.
Vitamin D: 5 micrograms.
Calcium: 210 milligrams.
Iron: 5 milligrams.
Potassium: 299 milligrams.

Finishing Touches

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your dining experience, here are some serving suggestions:

Bread: Serve the soup with some crusty Italian bread or seeded sourdough for a satisfying meal.
Salad: Pair the soup with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Toppings: Add some extra toppings like smoked paprika, lemon slices, or chopped fresh herbs to give the soup an extra burst of flavor and color.

Experimenting with Variations

One of the joys of cooking is experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some ideas for variations:

Artichoke and Vegetable Broth Soup: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or zucchini to make the soup more substantial.
Artichoke and Rice Soup: Add cooked rice to the soup for a heartier texture.
Zesty Artichoke Soup: Increase the amount of lemon juice and add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
Artichoke and Herb Soup: Add more herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme to enhance the flavor profile of the soup.

A Delicious and Satisfying Conclusion

Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is a recipe that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine with its bright, fresh flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy meal, a vegetarian artichoke soup, or a creamy artichoke soup recipe, this dish is sure to satisfy your culinary needs.

The ease of preparation, the versatility of ingredients, and the delicious flavor profile make this soup a staple in any kitchen. It is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or simply as a comforting meal. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.

Remember, the key to this recipe is in its simplicity and flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking

Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup | MyhomemadeRecipe.com

Summary

An invigorating main course, Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup is a vibrant blend of fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon, perfect for dinner gatherings.