Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Add the ham, Swiss cheese, chicken, onion, celery, carrots, and parsley.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
8. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
9. Return the soup to the pot and reheat over low heat.
10. Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
Calories: 350
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 1200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ham: cooked bacon or turkey
- Swiss cheese: Gruyere or cheddar
- Chicken broth: vegetable broth or water with bouillon cubes
- Milk: almond milk or soy milk
- Onion, celery, carrots: any combination of vegetables you prefer
Variations:
- Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup.
- Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of ham and chicken.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
- Top with croutons or chopped nuts for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to dice the ham and shred the cheese for easier preparation.
- To make the soup creamier, add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
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 low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or shredded cheese on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Shredded cheese
- Croutons
- Chopped nuts
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thin, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it.
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Cordon Bleu is a French term that means "blue ribbon" and is used to describe a dish that is of the highest quality. The dish originated in Switzerland and typically consists of a breaded and fried chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
This soup is creamy and savory with a hint of sweetness from the carrots and onions.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this soup as a comforting meal on a cold day or as a starter for a dinner party.
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