Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large leeks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz Ardrahan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken or vegetable broth and diced potatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
4. Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream and grated Ardrahan cheese. Heat until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing leeks and garlic
- Boiling for cooking potatoes and broth
- Low heat for melting cheese and heating soup
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ardrahan cheese can be substituted with any other semi-soft cheese such as Gouda or Havarti.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half and half or milk for a lighter version.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
- Add chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to slice leeks thinly for even cooking.
- To make the soup thicker, add more potatoes or less broth.
- To make the soup thinner, add more broth or less potatoes.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve soup in a bread bowl for a fun presentation.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for added color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped chives or parsley
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream.
- If the soup is too thin, add more potatoes or cheese.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to a temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Ardrahan cheese is a semi-soft cheese that originated in County Cork, Ireland.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, savory, and slightly sweet from the leeks.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or starter.
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Region: Irish