Potato and Cheddar Soup

Name: Potato and Cheddar Soup
Yield: serves 6
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 onion, preferably Vidalia, chopped; 1 carrot, chopped; 1 stalk celery, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme; Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken stock (page 227) or low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth; 3 cups (whole or lowfat) milk; 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1 3/4 pounds); 3 cups packed grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces); Snipped fresh chives, for garnish; Bacon Croutons (recipe follows), for garnish (optional); 4 ounces country-style bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups); 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into lardons (see page 179); 1 tablespoon canola oil; Freshly ground black pepper; (makes 2 cups)

December 9, 2011

Since this soup is the liquid version of a baked potato, calories and all, you can use low-fat milk with no detrimental effect on flavor, if it gives you any comfort. But don’t do anything silly, like use low-fat cheese, which melts poorly and tastes worse. It’s important to add the cheese a little at a time, so it incorporates and doesn’t become an oily mess.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.