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Creamy Smoky Fennel White Cheddar Soup

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4.4 from 129 reviews

A warm and comforting soup that combines the flavors of fennel, white cheddar, and smoked paprika for a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 bulbs Fennel (thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium Yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 cup White cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 2 sprigs Fresh thyme (used during simmering)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and thinly sliced fennel, cooking until they soften and become slightly translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika, stirring for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
  2. Pour in the broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, followed by the fresh thyme sprigs. Stir everything together, bringing it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the fennel to become tender and flavorful.
  3. Blend for creaminess: Remove the thyme sprigs and carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a standard blender in batches, being cautious of the hot liquid.
  4. Stir in the cream and cheese: With the soup still over low heat, slowly add the heavy cream and grated white cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted, creating a rich and creamy texture.
  5. Season to perfection: Taste the soup and add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds bright notes and balances the rich flavors beautifully. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with extra grated cheese or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Dive in with your favorite crusty bread, and you’ll find warmth and bliss in every spoonful.

Notes

This soup can be paired with a crunchy baguette or a side salad for a delightful meal. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pennykitchenz.com/creamy-smoky-fennel-white-cheddar-soup/

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