Potato Soup

By á-2700

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 rib celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 (12 oz) bottle light bodied beer
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar
• dash hot sauce
• dash worcestershire
• sour cream, for topping
• 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp, for topping
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, for topping

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute in butter until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4 mins. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and continue to stir for 2 mins. to toast the flour. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Gradually whisk in the stock, then the milk and the beer. Stir in the potatoes and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the soup until the potato is tender, about 20-30 mins.

Remove the pan from the heat and using an immersion blender, pureee the soup until smooth. Return the soup to low heat. Add the cheese in a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth after each addition. Season the soup to taste with hot sauce, worcestershire and salt and pepper.

Divide the soup among bowls and top with sour cream, crisp bacon and chopped chives.