Egyptian Cream of Artichokes Soup {Shorbet Kharshoof}

One of the most decadent soups you’ll have in Egypt.  Egyptian artichokes has a strong flavor and it stands out in this hearty soup.

Although in Egypt soups are not served cold, this soup could be served hot or cold.  The steps are easy and with today’s immersion blender and frozen vegetables, this is the perfect recipe to quickly prepare it for surprise guests and leave them impressed.

Condiments: Garnish the soup with fried slivers of leeks and artichoke hearts.  You can also serve toasted bread on the side.

Serving Size: 6 bowls

Ingredients:
1 Tbs butter or olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
1 lb (45o grams) artichoke hearts, frozen or fresh
2 sprigs of thyme
2 bay (laurel) leaves
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
Salt & pepper to taste
(optional) 1/4 cup cream or fat free half & half
(optional) For garnish: Fried julienne strips of  leeks and mini artichoke hearts

Directions:
~ In a large saucepan, melt the butter or the olive oil over medium heat.
~ Add the onions.  Stir well.  Cook until the onions are softened but not browned.
~ Add the artichokes, thyme, bay leaves, broth and milk.  Cover the saucepan and bring to boil.
~ Lower the heat. Cover the pan and simmer for 30 minutes or until the artichokes are tender.
~ Let the soup cool then remove the bay leaves and thyme.  Puree the soup with an immersion blender.
~ Add the cream if you’re using it.
~ Reheat the soup without boiling.
~ Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
~ Serve garnished with the fried leeks & artichoke hearts.

The Garnish:

~ Slice  leeks and artichoke hearts into thin julienne strips.
~ In a small pan, heat 2 Tbs of oil over medium high heat.
~ Fry the strips in batches.  Remove from the oil on a paper towel to drain and add salt immediately.

Variations: Instead of  artichokes, try the soup with cauliflower or zucchini.  For a non-fat version of this soup, skip the butter and instead cook the onion in 2 Tbs of broth.  For milk, use fat free milk.  And for the garnish, add a dallop of fat free greek yogurt.

~ Bel Hana ~

Best Places to Try this Dish in Egypt:
~ My mom’s kitchen 🙂