Beer & Cheddar Soup w/Kielbasa

By stancec44

This rich and cheesy broth is satisfying on its own, but goes main course with the addition of seared kielbasa sausage.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon plus 2 tsp. vegetable oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, chopped
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 12 oz. lager (such as Brooklyn Brewery)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. mild yellow cheddar, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb link kielbasa sausage, cut into 6–8 pieces
• 1 apple, cored, sliced

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from bonappetit.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but not browned, 8–10 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add butter and stir until melted. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until beginning to turn golden brown, about 4 minutes.

Whisk in broth, beer, and cream. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened, 10–15 minutes. Reduce heat to low and whisk in cheese a handful at a time, whisking to combine after each addition. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes to ensure cheese is melted. Working in batches if needed, transfer soup to a blender and purée until smooth (alternatively, use an immersion blender in the pot). Season with salt and pepper.

Using a paring knife, score sausage, spacing cuts ½” apart. Heat 1 tsp. oil in a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausages, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp in spots, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Toss apple in remaining 1 tsp. oil in a small bowl. Cook in same grill pan until softened and slightly charred on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.

Divide soup among bowls; top with sausage and apple.