Description
Savor the bright and comforting flavors of this Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup. A creamy blend of artichokes, fresh vegetables, and a hint of zesty lemon creates a delightful balance of savory and tangy in every spoonful. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a refreshing lunch, this versatile soup can easily be customized to suit different diets. Serve with a slice of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or enjoy it as a standalone dish—either way, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 cans (14 oz each) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 32 oz chicken stock or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream or dairy-free alternative
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese alternative
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Artichokes: Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the chicken stock or vegetable broth, then add the lemon juice and zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend seamlessly.
- Incorporate Greens and Cream: Add the chopped spinach or kale to the pot and stir until the greens wilt. Pour in the heavy cream (or your chosen dairy-free alternative) and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan or vegan cheese alternative until it melts smoothly into the soup. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Enjoy your homemade bowl of Tuscan comfort!
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth, cashew cream, and a vegan cheese substitute.
- To thicken the soup, blend half of it with an immersion blender and mix it back in.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg