Oyster Artichoke Soup
A rich and savory oyster and artichoke soup blending tender vegetables, hearty ham, and succulent oysters, perfect for elegant starters or comforting main courses.
Ingredients
- 5 medium artichokes or 3 cans (16 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. flour ⓘ
- 1 stick butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 4 oz. lean ham, chopped ⓘ
- 1 qt. turkey or chicken stock
- 1 Tbsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil fresh artichokes in saltwater with vinegar for 55 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Scrape leaves and chop. Set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven, brown flour in butter and oil for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, celery, green onions, and garlic. Saute for 15 minutes.
- Add parsley, chopped ham, turkey or chicken stock, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- In another pan, heat oysters in their liquid until edges curl. Drain off the liquid into the soup mixture.
- Cut up oysters or leave whole and add to the soup.
- Simmer the soup for an additional 15 minutes. Season to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, you can blend the soup before adding the oysters. If fresh artichokes are unavailable, canned artichoke hearts work just as well. You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon for a smokier flavor. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially if using store-bought stock, as it may be saltier. This dish pairs beautifully with Knob Hill Sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Oyster Artichoke Soup garnished with additional chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it as a starter before heartier dishes or alongside American recipes like Microwave Pork Chops for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of stock or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may affect the texture of the oysters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oyster Artichoke Soup contains roughly 221 calories, with 7g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen oysters instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen oysters can be used in this recipe. Just thaw them before cooking. Keep in mind that they may have a slightly different texture than fresh oysters but will still add great flavor to the soup. Ensure to heat them until they are just cooked through to maintain their tenderness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and substitute the chicken or turkey stock with vegetable stock. You can enhance the flavor with additional herbs like thyme or bay leaf. The soup will still be delicious and hearty without the meat.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for dipping. It also goes nicely with light seafood dishes or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, try it alongside a pasta dish or a serving of Lotsa Chili.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).