Canadian Cheese Soup

Canadian Cheese Soup Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Canadian Cheese Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This creamy soup is packed with vegetables, ham, and of course, plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Canadian Cheese Soup is a popular dish in Canada, especially in the colder regions where a warm and comforting meal is always welcome. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in many Canadian households. It is often served as a starter or as a main course, accompanied by a crusty bread or a side salad.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of butter
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
0.5 cup of onion, finely chopped
0.33 cup of green pepper, finely chopped
4 mushrooms, finely chopped
0.5 cup of ham, finely chopped (optional)
0.5 tsp of paprika
0.25 cup of flour
1 tbsp of cornstarch
0.5 qt (473 ml) of chicken broth
0.5 qt (473 ml) of milk
0.13 to 0.25 tsp of cayenne pepper
0.5 lb (227 g) of process sharp cheddar cheese, grated
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the carrots, celery, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, and ham. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender.
Add a portion of the chicken stock to the flour and cornstarch. Stir to combine.
Pour the broth into the pot and stir in the flour mixture. Stir until thickened.
Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk and add the cheese. Be careful not to let it boil once the cheese and milk are added, as it may curdle.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss, for a different flavor.
Add in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop all of the vegetables to ensure that they cook evenly and blend well into the soup.

- When adding the cheese, be sure to stir constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

- If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup before serving.

- Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, such as cooked chicken or bacon.

Serving Suggestions

Canadian Cheese Soup can be served as a starter or as a main course. It pairs well with a crusty bread or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to finely chop all of the vegetables to ensure even cooking.

- Stir constantly when adding the cheese to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Do not let the soup boil once the cheese and milk are added, as it may curdle.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version of the soup.

- Omit the ham for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Canadian Cheese Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Canadian Cheese Soup in a bread bowl for a fun and creative presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Canadian Cheese Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Canadian Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Canadian Cheese Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Canadian Cheese Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Canadian Cheese Soup contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Canadian Cheese Soup contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Canadian Cheese Soup is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Canadian Cheese Soup contains dairy (cheese and milk) and gluten (flour). It may also contain soy (from the ham).

Summary

Canadian Cheese Soup is a rich and creamy soup that is high in fats and proteins. It is a good source of calcium and vitamins A and C. However, it is also high in calories and may not be suitable for those on a low-fat or low-calorie diet.

Summary

Canadian Cheese Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Packed with vegetables, ham, and sharp cheddar cheese, this creamy soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy it as a starter or as a main course, paired with a crusty bread or a side salad.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a cold winter day in Canada, and I had just finished shoveling the snow off my driveway when I decided to warm up with a hot bowl of soup. As I flipped through my recipe book, I came across a recipe for Canadian Cheese Soup that caught my eye.

I had never made this soup before, but the combination of sharp cheddar cheese, vegetables, and creamy broth sounded delicious. I gathered the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. As the soup simmered on the stove, the aroma of melting cheese filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled myself a steaming bowlful and sat down at the table to take my first bite. The flavors exploded on my taste buds, the rich cheese complemented by the savory vegetables and creamy broth. It was like a warm hug on a cold day, comforting and satisfying in every way.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to dish for chilly days and cozy nights. I had learned the art of making Canadian Cheese Soup, and it quickly became a favorite among my family and friends.

But where did this recipe come from? How did it find its way into my recipe book, waiting to be discovered on that fateful winter day? The answer lies in a chance encounter many years ago, when I was a young woman just starting out in the kitchen.

I had recently moved to a small town in Canada, eager to explore the local cuisine and learn new recipes. One day, while browsing through the local market, I struck up a conversation with an elderly woman who was selling fresh vegetables. We talked about cooking and recipes, and she mentioned a delicious soup that she used to make for her family during the winter months.

Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. It was her own version of Canadian Cheese Soup, passed down through generations in her family. She told me about how her grandmother used to make it on snowy days, using whatever ingredients she had on hand to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

I listened intently as she described the process of making the soup, the careful balance of flavors and textures that made it so special. She imparted her wisdom to me, teaching me the secrets of a good soup and the importance of using quality ingredients.

I thanked her profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and promised to try it out in my own kitchen. As I walked away from the market that day, I couldn't wait to get home and start cooking. Little did I know that this chance encounter would lead to a lifelong love affair with Canadian Cheese Soup.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I have shared it with friends and family, watching as their eyes light up with delight at the first spoonful. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that elderly woman in the market, and the gift she gave me that day.

And so, as I sit here now, savoring a bowl of Canadian Cheese Soup on another cold winter day, I am grateful for the journey that brought this recipe into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together in shared moments of joy and comfort. And it is a testament to the endless possibilities that can be found in a simple recipe, waiting to be discovered and cherished for years to come.