Stilton and Leek Soup

By Master Chef on December 25th, 2018 · In Ancient Cuisine, Cheeses, Dinner, Herbs and Spices, Holiday Meals, Holidays, Luncheon, Meals, Regional and Ethnic, Soups and Stews, Techniques, Vegetables

The richness of Stilton and Leek Soup is perfect for the wealth of goodness of the springtime holiday season, or any time. Simply extraordinary. If you can’t find Stilton cheese, substitute Gorgonzola or Roquefort, but not Danish Blue.

Stilton and Leek Soup

Author: Epicurus.com Kitchens

Recipe type: Soups and Stews

Cuisine: British

Serves: 6 to 8

Ingredients

1 Cup finely-chopped white and pale green leeks
1 large garlic clove; minced
1/2 Cup finely-chopped celery
1/2 Cup finely-chopped carrot
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; crumbled
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Russet (baking) potatoes (about 1 pound)
3 Cups chicken broth
1 Cup half-and-half
6 ounces Stilton cheese; crumbled
3 Tablespoons tawny Port; or to taste
minced fresh chives; for garnish

Instructions

In a large saucepan cook the leek, the garlic, the celery, and the carrot with the bay leaf and the thyme in the butter over moderate heat, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the potatoes, peeled and sliced thin, and the broth and simmer the mixture, covered, for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
Discard the bay leaf and in a blender puree the soup in batches.
Transfer the puree to the cleaned pan and stir in the half-and-half.
Heat the soup over low heat, whisk in the Stilton, whisking until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth, and whisk in the Port and salt and pepper to taste. (Do not let the soup boil.)
Serve the soup garnished with the chives.

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