Cheese Soup with German Lager, Black Forest Ham and Whole Grain Croûtons

Recipe of the Month: January, 2009

This soup contains four of German cuisine's finest offerings: cheese, beer, ham, and bread. What more could you ask for?

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 ounces 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 of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the Black Forest ham, and sauté until golden brown. Add the onion, shallots, garlic, and chili powder. Sauté until glossy, about 2 minutes.

Add the flour to create a roux. Whisk in the German lager and stock.

Add the cumin seed, and lower the heat to medium. Cook until the liquid is reduced by one-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.