Canadian Cheese Soup

Ingredients

½ pound bacon, cut into small pieces

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

4 tablespoons butter (½ stick)

1 cup plain all-purpose flour

3 cups chicken broth or stock

4 cups whole milk

1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 tablespoon Tabasco hot sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

½ cup pale lager or golden lager beer (a Canadian-style lager works well)

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Sliced green onions or chopped chives, for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Place a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the chopped bacon and cook until it begins to brown and release its fat, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Linguine Aglio e Olio

Add the chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, and butter to the pot.

Cook while stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir continuously so it blends with the bacon fat and butter.

Continue cooking for about 4 minutes, until the mixture turns lightly golden and develops a slightly nutty aroma.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Stock

Slowly whisk in the chicken stock to prevent lumps from forming. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Let it boil for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Milk

Pour in the milk and continue cooking the soup over low heat for another 15 minutes.

Keep the heat gentle—do not let the soup boil once the milk has been added, as this can affect the texture.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese and Season

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly.

Add the Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine.

Step 7: Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a mostly smooth consistency while still retaining a little texture.

Step 8: Add the Beer and Adjust Flavor

Stir in the lager beer and taste the soup.

Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy.