ARTICHOKE PARMESAN SOUP

Artichoke Parmesan Soup image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h

Yield 5 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 small carrot, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 celery stalk, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 small onion, cut into chunks
Two 14-ounce cans artichoke hearts in brine
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup cornstarch, or more as needed
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Steps:

Chop the carrot, celery and onion into almost a purée in a food processor. Set aside.
Drain the artichoke hearts and reserve the liquid. Place the artichoke hearts in the food processor and purée, using some of the liquid if necessary to facilitate puréeing. Set aside.
Heat up the olive oil in a large saucepan, then add the puréed carrot, celery and onion and cook on high heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly because they can burn easily. Add the puréed artichoke hearts and their liquid and 4 cups water. Bring the soup to a boil on high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan!
Mix the cornstarch with 1 cup warm water in a small bowl, using your hands to make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then add the mixture to the soup and bring it back to boil. If the soup is too thick for your taste, add a bit more water; if it is too thin, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water. Don't overdo it, because a bit of cornstarch goes a long way.
Add the cream to the soup and stir, then remove the pot from the stove. Add the grated cheese to the soup a bit at the time, using a whisk to work it into the soup so that it doesn't form large clumps. Add 1 tablespoon salt, then taste the soup and, if you think it is necessary, add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.