Creamy Artichoke and Vegetables (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups finely diced yellow onions (2 onions)
02 - 2 cups peeled and diced carrots (4 to 5 carrots)
03 - 2 cups finely diced celery (4 to 5 stalks)
04 - 1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced 1/4-inch thick
05 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
06 - 13 to 14 ounces artichokes, drained and coarsely chopped

→ Liquids

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 (32-ounce) container chicken broth (4 cups)
09 - 1-1/2 cups whole milk
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Dairy and Fats

11 - 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - Salt and pepper to taste
13 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1 bay leaf (optional)

→ Thickening Agents

17 - 1/2 cup flour

→ Herbs (Optional)

18 - Fresh thyme for serving (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
02 - Stir in Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and oregano. Cook for about 30 seconds while stirring frequently.
03 - Add bay leaf, chicken broth, and artichokes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Leave uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - In a medium pot, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour on top and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, continuing to whisk. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, whisking until fully incorporated and smooth. Slowly add the remaining milk and cream, whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat.
05 - Pour the creamy milk mixture into the large pot with the vegetable and broth mixture. Stir well to combine. Cook until the soup slightly thickens, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more milk to achieve the desired consistency. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs and hearty buttered bread.

# Notes:

01 - If the soup thickens too much during cooking, adjust consistency by adding a small amount of milk and stirring well.