Cream of artichoke soup

Ingredients :
750g/1lb 11oz Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and sliced
1 lemon, thickly sliced
50g/2oz butter
2 onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1.5 litres/21⁄4pt vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
150ml/5fl oz single cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to make
- Put the artichokes in a bowl with the lemon slices, and cover with water.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a low heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sweat gently for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Drain the artichokes, discarding the lemon, and add to the pan. Mix well and sweat gently for 2–3 minutes without allowing to colour.
- Add the stock, bay leaves, nutmeg and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Bring slowly to the boil, then cover and simmer gently for about 30 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaves. Cool the soup slightly, then purée in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Pour the soup into a clean pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, stir in the cream and cook gently, without boiling, for 2 minutes. Serve immediately.