Cream of Castroville Artichoke Soup

Name: Cream of Castroville Artichoke Soup
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 (12-ounce) packages frozen artichoke hearts, thawed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, pressed; 1/4 cup uncooked converted rice; 5 cups chicken stock (page 91); 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half; Dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice or dry white wine; Salt; Several sprigs of tarragon, for garnish; Sour cream, for garnish

December 9, 2011

Castroville, California (population 6,724 as of the 2000 census), is the self-proclaimed Artichoke Center of the World. About 75 percent of the state’s artichokes are grown there. In 1947, young Norma Jean Baker (later known as Marilyn Monroe) was crowned Castroville’s first “artichoke queen.” And as you might imagine, the local residents have invented a plethora of artichoke-based foods, this creamy soup not the least among them.

Cooks' Note

Suggested Beverage: Though artichokes are considered a difficult match for most wines, a crisp, dry white wine or a hearty beer would work here.

Recipe notes

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.