Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 pounds of cardoon, trimmed and chopped
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of heavy cream
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
2. Add the chopped cardoon to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the cardoon is tender.
4. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing
- Boil, then simmer for cooking
- Heat through for cream
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cardoon can be substituted with artichoke hearts or celery root.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier soup.
- Top with croutons or grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Wear gloves when handling cardoon as it can be prickly.
- To make the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.
Garnishes:
- Croutons
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme leaves
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad with a vinaigrette dressing
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken or fish
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to thoroughly wash and trim the cardoon before using.
Food history:
- Cardoon is a vegetable related to the artichoke and is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- Earthy, nutty, and slightly bitter.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a first course or as a light meal with a side salad.
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