Absolutely! 🍲 Let’s dive into the delicious details of making this comforting Cheddar Potato-Beer Soup with Shredded Ham, a warm and satisfying recipe perfect for those crisp fall evenings! This hearty soup, originating from the Chicago Tribune, combines the creamy richness of cheddar cheese with the heartiness of potatoes and the savory goodness of shredded ham. 🥔🧀🍺
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to creating this cozy dish:
Cheddar Potato-Beer Soup with Shredded Ham
Overview:
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 10 small red potatoes, diced
- 5 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 cup beer (choose your favorite!)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham, shredded
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. 🧈 |
| 2 | Add chopped onions, diced potatoes, and diced carrots to the saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. 🥔🥕 |
| 3 | Season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences. 🧂🌶️ |
| 4 | Pour in the beer, stirring to incorporate and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. 🍺 |
| 5 | Add the chicken broth and vegetable broth to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. 🥣 |
| 6 | Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes and carrots are tender, about 12 minutes. 🕒 |
| 7 | Using a blender or food processor, carefully puree the soup in batches until smooth. Alternatively, use a hand-held ‘boat motor’ blender directly in the saucepan. 🥣🌀 |
| 8 | Return the pureed soup to the saucepan. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. 🧀 |
| 9 | Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired. 🌶️ |
| 10 | Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. 🥣 |
| 11 | Top each bowl with a generous portion of shredded ham. 🍖 |
| 12 | Serve the soup hot, perhaps with a side of crusty rye bread for dipping, and finish off the meal with a slice of apple pie for a perfect fall dinner! 🍎🥧 |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 395.8
- Fat: 18.3g
- Saturated Fat: 10.2g
- Cholesterol: 61mg
- Sodium: 818.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 34.3g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 4.4g
- Protein: 20g
Recipe Notes:
- This soup is perfect for chilly winter evenings or any time you’re craving something warm and comforting.
- Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes added.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the shredded ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cheddar Potato-Beer Soup with Shredded Ham as a main course, accompanied by slices of hearty rye bread for dipping.
- For dessert, indulge in a slice of warm apple pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream. 🥧🍎
This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your fall and winter meal rotation, bringing warmth and flavor to your table with every spoonful. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of cheddar cheese melded with the earthy flavors of potatoes, the sweetness of carrots, and the savory touch of shredded ham. 🧀🥔🥕 Bon appétit!
