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Cheddar and Ale Soup with Crispy Shallots

Source of Recipe

From "Cheese Obsession" by Georgeann Brennan


Recipe Introduction

"This warming soup conjures English pub fare. The ale and seasonings add an aromatic and spicy tang that tempers the richness of the cheese. For the best flavor, use an extra-sharp Cheddar. Be careful not to let the soup boil once the cheese has been added, or it can cause the soup to be grainy."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ ½ cup canola oil
â—¦ 4 to 6 shallots, thinly sliced
â—¦ 2 yellow waxy potatoes
â—¦ 1 yellow onion
â—¦ 2 ribs celery
â—¦ 2 carrots, peeled
â—¦ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
â—¦ 1 clove garlic, minced
â—¦ â…“ cup all-purpose flour
â—¦ 1 teaspoon sea salt
â—¦ ½ teaspoon paprika
â—¦ â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
â—¦ 2 cups whole milk
â—¦ ½ cup heavy cream
â—¦ 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
â—¦ 1 bottle (12 ounces) ale
â—¦ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
â—¦ 1 teaspoon dry mustard
â—¦ 1 pound Cheddar cheese, shredded


Recipe

In a frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the canola oil. Add the shallots and cook, turning once or twice, until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Cut the potatoes into ½-inch cubes; chop the onion, celery, and carrots. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring, until the onion, celery, and carrots have softened and the potatoes are almost tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle the vegetables with the flour, salt, paprika, and cayenne and stir until the flour is lightly browned. Slowly add the milk, scraping up any bits clinging to the bottom of the pan. Pour in the cream, broth, ale, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard, whisking constantly. Raise the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring, to allow the flavors to blend, about 5 minutes; be careful not to let the mixture boil. Add in the cheese and cook, stirring, until the cheese has just melted, 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove from the heat and purée with an immersion blender or purée in batches in a regular blender. Reheat just until steaming. Ladle into warmed bowls, garnish with the crispy shallots, and serve at once.

Serves 4 to 6