Today, I decided to create some soup.
Spinach & Artichoke Soup
36 oz. chopped artichoke hearts
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp + 3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp minced onion
3 teaspoons parsley flakes
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
48 oz. vegetable stock
3 1/4 c. Fat free half & half
3 Tbsp flour
1 1/2 c. Shredded Parmesan cheese
3/4 c. Shredded mozzarella cheese
12 oz. chopped spinach
2 c. cooked, diced potatoes
In a large skillet, melt one tablespoon butter. Add artichokes, minced onion, and garlic. Sautée about five minutes. Remove from heat and let cool a bit.
In a large pot, heat vegetable stock.
When cooled enough to handle, remove more solid portions of artichokes and add to the stock. Purée remaining artichokes with about 1 3/4 cup half & half until smooth and creamy, in batches if necessary. Add to vegetable stock and stir to incorporate.
In the large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add flour to make a paste. Slowly add about 1 1/2 cup half & half. Add shredded cheese. Stir until melted. Add slowly to the other pot and stir until incorporated.
Add chopped spinach and potatoes and peppers to taste. Simmer until nice and hot.
I LOVED this soup. I figured I would at least try to get my kids to eat it. My four year old refuses to try most foods, but he did sample the soup. He did not like it.
My two year old possibly would have tried it, but his brother passed him his bowl too, saying he doesn't "like leaf soup." So, he refused to taste.
Because I don't like to waste my hard-work, I ate theirs too.
Baby girl likes it though! I added baby cereal to it to thicken it up and she enjoyed a bowl.
Yup. I'm glad I decided to create this one today!
