Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Anfu ham, diced
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced Anfu ham and sliced leeks to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the leeks are softened.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the ham and leeks and stir until everything is coated.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the soup has thickened and the ham is tender.
6. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (optional).
7. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing
- Boil for bringing the soup to a boil
- Simmer for cooking the soup
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 415
- Total fat: 29g
- Saturated fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
- Sodium: 1985mg
- Total carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Anfu ham can be substituted with any other type of ham.
- Leeks can be substituted with onions or shallots.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth or water.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the soup for extra texture and flavor.
- Use bacon instead of ham for a smokier flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to slice the leeks thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a whisk to stir the flour into the soup to prevent lumps.
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Taste the soup before adding salt as the ham may already be salty.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in individual bowls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Pairings:
- Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers.
Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ham to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Anfu ham is a type of Chinese ham that is cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, salty, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a starter or main course.
Related Categories
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Region: Chinese
Taste: Savory, Umami, Earthy, Rich, Comforting