Artichoke Cream Soup with Hazelnut and Crispy Bacon Chips
Ingredients
- 10 artichokes bottom scrubbed and sliced (2x14 fl oz cans)
- 0.75 cup shallots sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic sliced
- 4 cup chicken stock
- 0.5 cup whipping cream
- 6 slices bacon
- 0.5 cup hazelnuts toasted and ground
- salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gently fry the shallot in the olive oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and artichokes for 30 seconds and moisten with the stock, bring to the boil and then simmer for around 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place the bacon slices on parchment paper and bake it for about 40 minutes between 2 cookie sheets, or until golden brown and crisp.
- When the vegetables are soft, blend until smooth then stir in the hazelnuts and cream. Bring to boil and top each serving with some of the crispy bacon pieces that have been patted dry, and sprinkle some hazelnuts around on the top.
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Artichoke Cream Soup & Bacon Chips: Cooking Tips
Choose Fresh Artichokes
For the best flavor, use fresh artichokes. They should be firm, heavy for their size, and have tightly packed leaves. Trim the sharp tips and remove the tough outer leaves before cooking to keep the texture smooth.
Prepare a Flavorful Broth
A rich broth is key to enhancing the delicate flavor of the artichokes. Simmer them in a vegetable or chicken broth with onions, garlic, and a bay leaf to add depth. This base will make the soup more aromatic and flavorful.
Blend for a Creamy Texture
After simmering the artichokes until tender, blend the mixture well for a smooth and creamy texture. A high-speed blender works best, but an immersion blender will also do the trick. Add a touch of cream or milk to create a luxurious consistency.
Crispy Bacon Chips
Bake or pan-fry the bacon until crisp to make delicious bacon chips. The bacon’s savory crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup, adding both texture and flavor.
Finish with Fresh Herbs
Garnish your Artichoke Cream Soup & Bacon Chips soup with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. These also enhance the flavor of the soup and give it an elegant presentation.
Serve Warm with a Side
This soup is best enjoyed warm and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. Its creamy texture and savory elements make it a comforting and sophisticated choice for any meal.
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