pat's Recipe

Cheddar-Ale Soup

Category: SOUPS/STEWS

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 12-ounce bottle beer, preferably ale
2 18-ounce bags precooked diced peeled potatoes
1 14-ounce can vegetable broth or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
2-1/2 cups nonfat or low-fat milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced or finely chopped

Preparation
1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add beer; bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes.

2. Add potatoes, broth and water; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and mash the potatoes with a potato masher to the desired consistency.

3. Whisk milk and flour and add to the soup. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

4. Remove from the heat; stir in 1-1/4 cups cheese; keep stirring until melted.

5. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese and bell pepper.

Serves 6.