Introduction
This delightful and hearty soup is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with nutritious vegetables and a creamy texture, it warms the soul while providing a burst of flavor. Ideal for any time of year, this dish can be enjoyed on a chilly evening or served as a filling lunch.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup diced yellow onion
½ cup diced green peppers
½ cup diced sweet bell peppers
½ cup diced fennel
1 medium diced jalapeño pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups unsalted chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground white or black pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup (2 ounces) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Enjoy your cooking experience and treat yourself to this delicious soup!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Butter
In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until melted and hot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add 1 cup of diced carrots, ½ cup of diced yellow onion, ½ cup of diced green peppers, ½ cup of diced sweet bell peppers, ½ cup of diced fennel, and the optional 1 medium diced jalapeño pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Flour
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 30 seconds while stirring continuously.
Step 4: Incorporate the Broth and Potatoes
Pour in 6 cups of unsalted chicken broth or vegetable broth and add 2 cups of peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Season the Soup
Lower the heat to low and add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground white or black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Stir in 1 cup of milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often.
Step 7: Add the Cheeses
Add 1 cup (4 ounces) of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and ½ cup (2 ounces) of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Stir until the cheeses have melted completely into the soup.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You may substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add or replace vegetables to suit your taste or based on seasonal availability.
Spice Levels
Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper according to your preference for spice.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to adjust the consistency.
Cook techniques
Sauteing
Sauteing is the process of cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, we begin by sautéing the diced carrots, onions, and peppers until they are tender and fragrant, which helps to develop the base flavors of the dish.
Thickening
Thickening is achieved by adding all-purpose flour to the sautéed vegetables. This step not only helps to absorb excess liquid but also creates a nice, creamy texture for the final dish.
Simmering
Simmering is done by bringing the broth and potatoes to a gentle boil and then reducing the heat to cook them slowly. This technique helps to tenderize the potatoes and infuse flavors while ensuring the dish doesn’t overcook or burn.
Cheese Melting
Melting cheese involves gently heating shredded cheese in a warm mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. In this recipe, both the sharp Cheddar and Gruyère cheeses are added at the end to achieve a rich, cheesy consistency.
FAQ
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables such as corn, celery, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even a homemade broth to keep the dish vegetarian.
Is the jalapeño pepper necessary?
The jalapeño pepper is optional. It adds a bit of heat, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend, depending on your preference.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This soup is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, offering a hearty and comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the creaminess of the cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to prepare and is sure to please both family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Creamy Potato and Spinach Soup
Add 2 cups of fresh spinach toward the end of cooking for a vibrant color and nutritious boost.
Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Blend
Incorporate 1 cup of diced cauliflower and 1 cup of chopped broccoli for a delightful veggie mix that pairs beautifully with cheese.
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Chowder
Include 1 cup of diced spicy Italian sausage for an added kick and depth of flavor.
Herbed Vegetable Medley
Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist that elevates the soup’s flavor profile.
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Stir in 1 tablespoon of curry powder when sautéing the vegetables for a warm, exotic flair.
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Add 1 cup of cooked lentils for heartiness and protein, making the soup more filling and nutritious.
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Incorporate 1 cup of corn and a sprinkle of lime juice for a refreshing, tangy finish reminiscent of elote.
Italian Ratatouille Soup
Introduce diced zucchini, eggplant, and chopped tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired twist that highlights seasonal veggies.
Smoky Bacon and Cheese Soup
Include crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor that complements the richness of the cheeses beautifully.
