Creamy Artichoke Soup

Circle B Kitchen

Makes 6 1/2 cups soup

1/2 cup butter, divided

1/2 onion, diced (about 1¼ cups diced)

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

3 tablespoons sherry

2 pounds drained, canned artichoke hearts (3 cans or not quite 3 12-oz pkgs. frozen artichokes)

1 1/3 cups chicken broth, more as desired

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1 -2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups cream

1. In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot heated over medium-high heat until hot, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Add the onions and sauté until they begin to brown, 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the garlic and peppers, and continue to cook until the garlic is aromatic, 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Add the sherry and stir, scraping any bits of flavoring from the base of the pot. Stir in the artichoke hearts, chicken broth and sugar. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, loosely covered, for 30 minutes.

4. While the soup is simmering, make a roux: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Slowly rain in the flour and stir to form a roux. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the roux turns a light brown color, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. When the soup has simmered for 30 minutes, uncover and slowly whisk in the cream. Thicken as desired with roux, whisking in 1 tablespoon at a time; you may not use all the roux.

6. Blend the soup using a stand or immersion blender, and strain if desired. Return the soup to the pot, adjust the thickness with additional roux (to thicken) or broth (to thin), and taste once more for seasoning.