ARTICHOKE-BLUE CHEESE BISQUE

Artichoke-Blue Cheese Bisque image

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
1/3 cup vermouth
2 8-ounce packages frozen artichoke hearts
3 cups low-salt chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 2 ounces)
Chopped fresh chives

Steps:

Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add vermouth and simmer until all liquid evaporates, about 4 minutes. Add artichokes, broth, and thyme. Simmer until artichoke hearts begin to fall apart, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Pour soup into saucepan. Stir in cream and blue cheese. Simmer over medium heat until cheese melts and soup is smooth, whisking constantly, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with chives and serve.