Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in the broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add the heavy cream and mozzarella cheese to the pot and stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
5. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 500
Fat: 45g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or coconut oil.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted with water and bouillon cubes.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add diced tomatoes for a tomato-basil soup twist.
- Add cooked pasta for a creamy pasta soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the broth slowly into the flour mixture to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more or less salt and pepper.
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, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Creamy soups have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many cultures around the world.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of fresh basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a starter course for a dinner party or as a comforting meal on a cold day.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Creamy, Mozzarella, Basil, Savory, Rich