Cheddar Ale Potato Soup

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This creamy cheddar ale soup combines potatoes, celery and onion with a roux-thickened beer broth. Add the cheese over low heat after the potatoes soften, so it melts smoothly without becoming grainy. Melt butter in a soup pot. Cook onion and celery 6 minutes until soft. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in ale, then milk, until smooth. Add potatoes, salt and pepper. Simmer gently 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated cheddar a handful at a time until melted; do not boil. Add cayenne if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Recipe card

Cheddar Ale Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup with sharp cheddar, mild ale, celery and onion.

Prep 15 minCook 35 minTotal 50 minYield 4 servings

Adjust recipe Half batchOriginal batchDouble batchOnly numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Mixing bowl, measuring tools and suitable pan

Ingredients

60 g unsalted butter 1 whole medium onion, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 60 g all-purpose flour 350 ml mild ale 500 ml whole milk 500 g potatoes, peeled and diced 200 g sharp cheddar, grated 1 tsp fine salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 pinch cayenne, optional 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook vegetables

   Melt butter in a soup pot. Cook onion and celery 6 minutes until soft.

2. Make roux

   Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in ale, then milk, until smooth.

3. Simmer potatoes

   Add potatoes, salt and pepper. Simmer gently 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

4. Add cheese

   Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated cheddar a handful at a time until melted; do not boil. Add cayenne if desired.

5. Serve

   Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

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How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender, set or golden as described.

Tips

• Measure and prepare ingredients before cooking.
• Cut ingredients into even-sized pieces.
• Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
• Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate covered.

Troubleshooting

• If the mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
• If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

• Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
• Choose a compatible dairy-free option where appropriate.

Variations

• Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
• Add citrus for a brighter flavor.

Serving suggestions

• Pair with a crisp seasonal salad.
• Offer fresh herbs or a suitable sauce.
• Add vegetables or fruit on the side.
• Serve warm for the best texture.

Make ahead

Measure ingredients ahead and refrigerate perishable components; finish shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains wheat, dairy and alcohol; some alcohol remains after cooking. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.

How should I store cheddar ale potato soup?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and store leftovers safely.