Ingredients: |
Ingredients: ½ pound piece of slab bacon, sliced ⅓ inch thick and cut into ⅓ inch dice 1 celery rib, finely chopped 1 large jalapeno, seeded and chopped 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 TB chopped thyme One 12-ounce bottle lager or pilsner About 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth 4 TB unsalted butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 1 cup heavy cream ½ pound sharp yellow cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded 4 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded Salt and freshly ground pepper Garlic-rubbed toasts, for serving
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Directions: |
Directions:STEP 1: In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a bowl. Add the celery, onion, jalapeno, garlic and thyme to the saucepan and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, 8 minutes. Add half of the beer and cook until reduced by half, 5 minutes. Add 2 ¼ cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
STEP 2: In a small skillet, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Whisk this roux into the soup until incorporated and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, about 8 minutes. Add the heavy cream, cheddar cheeses and the remaining beer and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bacon and season with salt and pepper. Add a few tablespoons of broth if the soup is too thick. Serve the soup with garlic toasts.
MAKE AHEAD: The cheddar soup can be refrigerated overnight. Rewarm gently and thin with additional broth. |