Serves 6

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 leeks (white and light green parts only), chopped small
1 onion, chopped small
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
Hearts of 6 large artichokes, cut in quarters
3 medium size white potatoes (Yukon gold), peeled and chopped
8 cups vegetable stock
1 fresh bay leaf
3 sprigs of fresh thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped for garnish
10 fresh parsley stems, plus 1 tablespoon chopped for garnish
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt

Directions

In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook leeks and onions until soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add artichoke hearts, potatoes, and stock. Place bay leaf, thyme and parsley stems in cheesecloth, tie and add to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until ingredients are cooked through and flavors have melted together. Remove herbs in cheese cloth. Puree soup with immersion blender or food processor. Heat soup, and add butter. Taste for salt and serve.