Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup Bel Paese cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped fennel and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let cool slightly. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the grated Bel Paese cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 11g
Sodium: 800mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bel Paese cheese can be substituted with any other soft cheese such as Brie or Camembert.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier soup.
- Top the soup with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to trim the fennel bulbs well, removing any tough or woody parts.
- Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth for a creamy texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Storage instructions:
Store any 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, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Bel Paese cheese.
Garnishes:
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Grated Bel Paese cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the soup to a safe temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store any leftover soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Bel Paese cheese is a soft Italian cheese that was first produced in the early 1900s. It is known for its mild and creamy flavor, making it a popular ingredient in soups and other dishes.
Flavor profiles:
The Bel Paese and fennel soup has a creamy and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of anise from the fennel.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the soup as a first course for a dinner party or as a comforting meal on a chilly evening.
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Region: Italian