Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup
Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is a bright and comforting soup that balances the fresh zest of lemon with the creamy, earthy richness of artichokes. Perfect for any season, this soup offers a velvety texture and bold yet soothing flavors, making it an irresistible choice for a light lunch or cozy dinner.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan / Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Fresh or canned artichokes (about 2 cups, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
Optional Variations
- Spinach or kale (1 cup, chopped)
- Red pepper flakes (a pinch)
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for garnish
- Cooked white beans or shredded chicken (1/2 cup) for added protein
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking gently until translucent and fragrant, creating the flavor base for the soup.
- Add Artichokes and Broth: Stir in the artichokes and cook briefly, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow the flavors to meld while the artichokes soften.
- Blend for Creaminess: Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Puree until smooth and creamy, leaving some texture for interest.
- Brighten with Lemon: Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest to awaken the soup’s flavor. Then add the heavy cream or coconut milk to create a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Final Seasoning and Herbs: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and fold in the chopped fresh thyme or parsley for fresh herbal notes that complete the recipe.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor and aroma.
- Do not overblend; leaving some chunks adds texture and character.
- Adjust the amount of cream to achieve your preferred soup thickness.
- Simmer gently to deepen flavors without overcooking the artichokes.
- Season in layers, tasting and adjusting throughout cooking for balanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: artichoke soup, lemon soup, Tuscan soup, creamy soup, gluten free soup, vegetarian soup, vegan option