Creamy Asiago And Artichoke Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 shallots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine
1 potato, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
1 (8 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt, to taste
1/2 cup cream or 1/2 cup half-and-half
4 ounces asiago cheese, grated

Preparation

Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
Add the shallots and garlic; saute for about 5 minutes. Add the flour and stir to coat.
Add the chicken stock, white wine, potatoes, artichokes, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Salt to taste.
Increase heat to bring to a simmer, then lower heat and continue to simmer, uncovered, until vegetables soften, about 20 minutes.
Puree the soup (An immersion blender works well here!).
If desired, you can freeze the soup at this point.
When ready to serve, heat the soup and whisk in the cream and asiago cheese.
Simmer until cheese is melted and soup just begins to bubble.