Saturday, January 23, 2010

Beer, Brat and Cheese Soup

Otherwise known as Milwaukee in a Bowl Soup.



I had the pleasure of living in Wisconsin for the last few years while my hubby attended seminary. We are back home (Illinois) now but I can only recall our time in Wisconsin with longings to return. There are many things to love about Wisconsin - the every Friday night fish fry, cheese curds, a local Penzys, snow that stays for the winter, ice fishing (NOT) but it is their love of brats that took me in. AND they do 'em right - ketchup is a no-no. They are simmered in beer and onions then off to the grill they go. Then placed in a roll and topped with Dijon mustard, mayo if you like, and those onions from the initial cooking. YUM!

This soup is the best of the tastes I've come to love from Wisconsin.



Milwaukee in a Bowl: Beer, Brat and Cheese Soup
adapted from Liz's Cooking Blog Savory Spicy Sweet

3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 c. carrots, peeled and diced
1 c. celery, diced
1 c. onions, dicedd
1/3 c. flour
2 lg. potatoes, peeled and diced
6 c. stock (I used combination of beef and chicken)
12 oz. beer
1/2 tsp. cayenne or to taste
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. mustard powder
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
6 bratwurst

Simmer the brats in a little water for about 20 minutes turning frequently. Brown brats after the water simmers away. Remove from pan and slice. Add beer to the pan, scraping the little brown bits up and reducing the liquid by one half

In a Dutch oven (or other large soup pot) cook carrots, onions and celery in oil until softened - about 15 minutes. Season wit a little salt and pepper. Stir in flour and cook for a minute or two.

Add the potatoes, broth, and beer reduction to the veggies. Add garlic powder, and mustard. Simmer until the potatoes are soft, 15-20 minutes.

Remove about 2 cups of soup from pot and place in food processor - pulse until smooth. Return to pot with brats. Stir in cheese and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

This soup is so rich and flavorful - heaven on earth! It needs nothing more than hot rolls and a fresh green salad to accompany it.

I promise you your family members will praise you as they raise their spoons with this delicious soup!

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