“Cream of” soups have always been some of my favorites. They really bring out the flavor of the vegetables and love their creamy texture.
The Jerusalem artichoke, also called sunchoke, is native to eastern North America. It’s a root vegetable and is actually related to the sunflower. When the Jerusalem artichoke plants are in bloom they bright yellow flowers. Jerusalem artichokes have a similar appearance to ginger root, but the flavor isn’t remotely the same. Their name, “artichoke”, is fitting because they taste very much like artichokes. Their composition is very interesting. They have a high inulin content (which is converted into fructose) which accounts for its somewhat sweet flavor. They also lack starch and as a result have been promoted as a good substitute for potatoes for diabetics. Peak season in North America ranges from October through April.
Have you ever tried Jerusalem artichokes? How were they served or how did you prepare them?
Jerusalem artichokes have both a delicate and distinct pleasant flavor. They go wonderfully, for example, in gratins (recipe to come) and soups, like this Cream of Artichoke Soup where it’s paired with the wonderful buttery flavor of leek and the creamy texture of potato.
Let’s get started!
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and saute the onion, garlic and leek until softened, 5-7 minutes. Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Place the Jerusalem artichokes and potatoes in a stock pot with the broth, marjoram, broth granules, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes then add the leek mixture. Return to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for another 25 minutes or until the Jerusalem artichokes and potatoes are soft.
Use an immersion blender (or place in stand blender) and puree to desired consistency. Add the heavy cream and blend to combine. If using a stand blender return the pureed soup back to the pot then stir in the cream). Heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy! Great with a side salad and/or fluffy dinner rolls.
- 1 pound Jerusalem artichokes (aka sunchokes), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (vegetarian: use vegetable)
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable broth granules
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large leek, sliced, thoroughly rinsed in a colander and drained
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Place the Jerusalem artichokes and potatoes in a stock pot with the broth, marjoram, salt and pepper and boil, covered, for 10 minutes.
- In the meantime, melt the butter over medium-high heat and saute the onions, garlic and leek until softened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the leek mixture to the pot and return everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until the Jerusalem artichokes and potatoes are soft. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to stand blender) to puree the soup to the desired consistency. Add the heavy cream and blend until combined (if using a stand blender return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the cream). Heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Adina says
21 April, 2015 at 7:42 amI had cream of jerusalem artichoke soup in a restaurant as the starter of a 8 course menu last year. it was one of the best things on the menu. I would definitely like to try this if I manage to find jerusalem artichokes around here.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
21 April, 2015 at 7:51 amHi Adina! I’ve never seen Jerusalem artichokes in restaurants and yes, depending on where you are they can be challenging to find. It’s a shame because they’re so delicious!
jennifer says
14 June, 2015 at 6:48 pmAnother hit! it’s very creamy, smooth and I like the taste! I’ve never used/eaten jerusalem artichokes until now. I’m also curious to know how else we can use this… vegetable? Adina, I got my artichokes from my organic basket delivery.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
14 June, 2015 at 8:05 pmAwesome, Jennifer! I also like to use them in a gratin, much like a potato gratin with cream and butter and some herbs. It’s fantastic!
Mary J Houle says
15 April, 2017 at 4:24 pmThis sounds great. I’ve Pinned and Printed it to try. Funny story, my husband (French Canadian heritage) used to grow these in our Massachusetts backyard border. Easy to grow, tall and pretty. However, one of our dogs (a rescued black lab mix) decided to yank them up by the 5-6 ft. stalk, carry them proudly around the yard and then proceed to lay down and chew up the root!! She loved them!! Because of that (and the fact that I had no idea how to cook back then!) we never tried to eat them ourselves!! Sad isn’t it? :) After seeing this post I’m going suggest he try growing these again, for us this time! (Sadly Ashley has now been gone for many years, but will never be forgotten. <3
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
16 April, 2017 at 9:06 pmLol, that is funny, Mary :) Thanks for sharing that story about Ashley, those are great memories. And YES, you absolutely must try Jerusalem artichokes!