Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Scallops.
Funny looking things Jerusalem artichokes. All nobbly and difficult to peel. That, together with their unfamiliarity (not to mention their reputation for causing wind), perhaps doesn’t endear them to everyone. I however, love them. I adore their earthy, unique flavour and versatility – a bit like a potato but more interesting.
I’m keeping this brief (Christmas shopping anyone?) but I just want to share this recipe – pan fried scallops all caramelised without and soft within, nestled in a deeply comforting and wintry soup. I’ve drizzled the soup with just a little oil, flavoured with chilli, lemon and herbs – although I actually prefer my usual topping of crispy bacon (chorizo is also good) or hazelnuts, either incorporated into the soup or toasted, buttered and sprinkled on top. Mushrooms would also be fantastic. Oh and yes, I do know my bowl is chipped. That’s beacuse I am a real person.
I seem to have lost the recipe along with mind in my Christmas preparations but you don’t really need one – it’s soup (the recipe, not my mind). Here’s a rough outline. Fry one stick of celery and 1 small leek in a little olive oil and a nob of butter until softened. Add a bay leaf, about a tablespoon of thyme (I think, maybe not but it can’t hurt) and a clove of crushed garlic. Give it a stir then add a good splash of white wine and allow to cook for a couple of minutes. Add about 450ml stock and 8-10 Jerusalem artichokes, roughly chunked. Bring to the boil and cook until the artichokes are tender, then blend. Adjust the seasoning. Add a splash of cream, milk, creme fraiche or something of that ilk if you fancy. Pan fry the scallops in butter and a little oil for about 90 seconds each side then nestle in the soup. Finish with a drizzle of something if you feel that way inclined.
If you are a fan of Jerusalem artichokes or you think you might like to become one, this is yummy too.
Jerusalem artichoke and hazelnut soup with crispy bacon.
(I’ve heard that adding lemon juice to your artichokes will negate some of the less desirable gastrointestinal effects – I have no idea if this is true. Apparently, we all react differently, so you might want to try eating a small amount first….).
Category: Fish, Gluten-free, Soups, Starters, Vegetables 21 comments »
December 17th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
This delightful post reminded me of one of my favourite children’s books growing up – Mrs Bottle Burps – about a lovely old dear with a penchant for Jerusalem artichokes.
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December 18th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Lovely soup…scallops are a nice touch. Oh and Merry Xmas Helen! (haven’t seen you around for a while…anyway, all the best).
December 18th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Ooooh that looks tasty. I imagine you could probably throw in a pinch of asafoetida to counter-act the windy pops without affecting the flavour too much…
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December 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Emme – That’s brilliant! How funny! A great idea for a book
Peter – I know, I’ve been a bad blogger! I’ve just been so strapped for time but I’m still reading, I promise!
Lizzie – That is a brillliant idea – I imagine a pinch of the asafoetida would be absolutely fine on the flvaour front too and the effects would be most welcome I’m sure
December 18th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Fantastic photo and presentation Helen!
ps. I had no idea you were a real person. Thanks for clearing that up!
Christie @ fig&cherrys last blog post..Review: Brasserie Blanc, Milton Keynes
December 18th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Ha ha, well that’s alright Christie! So you didn’t think that meeting me was all a figment of your imagination then?
December 18th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Oh, so that wasn’t a dream!
December 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
He he, you didn’t dream that you took a trip to London and then woke up back in Sydney. It wasn’t more like a nightmare meeting us London food bloggers then?!
December 18th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Would make this soup in a heartbeat if we can find sunchokes! Now that we live in a place where scallops are more available, will have to consider that garnish, but still waiting to try your amaretto scallop recipe too.
manjus last blog post.."Rim of Fire" Paella
December 18th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
After searching for months, I still have not found this elusive ingredient. I know it is indigenous to North America (also known as a Sun Choke, if I am not mistaken), but no grocery store here on the West Coast seems to carry it
Eriks last blog post..Oct 30, Pumpkin Soup Recipe – Homemade Soup Recipes
December 18th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
the soup looks good especially the scallop ha!
sgfoodlovers last blog post..Yu kee duck rice and kway chap
December 18th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Sounds yummy Helen!
Happy Holidays!
JennDZ_The LeftoverQueens last blog post..Recipe: Holiday Cookies for Pets
December 19th, 2008 at 9:24 am
This is an exquisite soup and a wonderful pairing. I’ve not had any “tooting” issued but thanks for the tip!
Peters last blog post..Diples (??????)
December 19th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
What an elegant plate of soup, Helen! I love addition of scallops, although we cannot find any here in SA, except frozen, blagh!!!!
ninas last blog post..Easy cooking for Effortless entertaining Part 2 – Breakfast on the Patio
December 19th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Manju – Oh I wish you luck in your scallop quest! I guess I take them for granted a little, actuall y- no , I don’t – I appreciate them fully! Try the bacon or mushroom topping instead, if you ever come across the sunchokes.
Erik – Yes, it is known as sunchoke in the US. I wish I could recommend an alternative but there is nothing quite like it. Perhaps on your next travels you might look out for some.
Sg food lover – Thanks
Jenn – Happy holidays to you too
Peter – let’s continue this conversation on Twitter!
Nina – Oh that is a shame, I would suggest trying the bacon and hazelnut or mushroom topping in that case.
Helens last blog post..Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Scallops.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:40 am
i really love this. i was thinking of a jerusalem artichoke puree under some seared scallops, but a soup – beautiful. i love the flavor of JA’s and i just wish they were readily available in stores.
December 21st, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I’m a big fan of both ingredients too. Discovered the other day that Aldi was selling big fat frozen scallops for £4.49 a pack so snaffled a couple which I might well use to make this. Great idea!
Fiona Becketts last blog post..My You and Yours chicken curry
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Delish delish delish! I love jerusalem artichoke soup but I find the after effects horrendous! Will try your lemon tip.
(Ps *love* your real person comment
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December 23rd, 2008 at 7:17 pm
We are never full – Yes, I usually get them in my veg box delivery and I see them around at markets but I know what you mean, not widely available. Pick them up when you can!
Fiona – You are always on the lookout for a bargain and that is certainly a corker! Another frugal meal in the Beckett household, good stuff!
Niamh – Do let me know if it works won’t you? I am very curious! I am a real person and I need to know!
December 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Looks easy to prepare. But quite hard to get artichoke in my place.
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I *adore* JA soup – definitely going to have to try it with scallops!
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