German Cheese & Beer Soup with Whole Grain Croutons

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
4 ounces German Black Forest ham, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 shallots, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup German lager
7 cups chicken stock
Pinch of cumin seed
2 cups shredded Allgäuer Emmentaler cheese
2 cups shredded Tilsiter cheese
Sea salt
Freshly ground white pepper
4 slices whole grain German bread, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Preparation:

In a stockpot, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium-high heat. Add Black Forest ham and sauté until golden brown. Add onion, shallots, garlic and chili powder. Sauté until glossy, about 2 minutes.

Add flour to create a roux. Whisk in German lager and stock. Add cumin seed and lower the heat to medium. Cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 35 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To make the croûtons, melt the remaining butter in a medium sauté pan over high heat. Add the diced German whole grain bread and pan-toast until crispy.

Pour into serving bowls and top with the croûtons and the cilantro. Serve immediately.