Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil
- 8 tablespoons(1stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cupsfinely diced yellow onion (about2medium onions)
- 2 cupsdiced carrots, peeled (about4–5medium carrots)
- 2 cupsfinely diced celery (about4–5stalks)
- 8 ouncesmushrooms, sliced ¼ inch thick (baby bella or your choice)
- 1 tablespoonminced garlic
- 13to14ounces canned artichokes, drained and coarsely chopped
- Seasonings & Herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoonItalian seasoning
- ½ teaspoondried thyme
- ½ teaspoondried oregano
- 1bay leaf (optional)
- Liquids & Cream Base
- 4 cupschicken broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cupall-purpose flour
- 1½ cupswhole milk
- ½ cupheavy cream
- For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
- Buttered rustic bread or baguette slices
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Vegetable Base
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and garlic. Season with about 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
- 2. Add Herbs and Broth
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, thyme, and oregano. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, and chopped artichokes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3. Make the Creamy Roux
- While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth and thickened.
- Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat.
- 4. Combine and Thicken
- Pour the creamy roux into the soup pot and stir well to combine.
- Simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- 5. Taste and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley.
- Serve hot with buttered bread for the perfect comforting meal.