Cheddar and Beer Soup with Spicy Popcorn Garnish

Name: Cheddar and Beer Soup with Spicy Popcorn Garnish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 pound kielbasa sausage, finely chopped or processed until crumbly; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups chopped yellow onions; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 bay leaves; 3 tablespoons minced garlic; 8 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken stock; 2 cups lager beer, preferably amber; 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped thyme; 3 cups grated Cheddar (about 12 ounces); Spicy Popcorn, for garnish, recipe follows; 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, for garnish; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/3 cup white popping corn; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan; 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika; 2 tablespoons salt; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Servings: persons

1/2 pound kielbasa sausage, finely chopped or processed until crumbly
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped yellow onions
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons minced garlic
8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken stock
2 cups lager beer, preferably amber
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped thyme
3 cups grated Cheddar (about 12 ounces)
Spicy Popcorn, for garnish, recipe follows
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, for garnish
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup white popping corn
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

1
Cook the kielbasa in the olive oil in a large, heavy soup pot over high heat until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes.
2
Add the onions, salt, pepper, and bay leaves and cook, stirring, until the onions are slightly caramelized, 12 to 15 minutes.
3
Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
5
Gradually whisk in the stock and the beer.
6
Add the thyme and bring to a boil.
7
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour.
8
Add the cheese a little at a time, stirring until nearly completely melted after each addition.
9
Remove from the heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10
Garnish each serving of the soup with a handful of the popcorn and minced fresh chives.
11
For the popcorn: In a large, partially covered saucepan heat olive oil and 1 piece of popping corn until hot enough to make the corn pop.
12
Add the remaining popping corn and cook partially covered, shaking, until all corn is popped.
13
Transfer to a large mixing bowl and toss with the remaining ingredients until evenly coated.
14
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
15
Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking, by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.

1536

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

146

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 29 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 pound kielbasa sausage, finely chopped or processed until crumbly, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cups chopped yellow onions, 1 teaspoon salt, and more.

Yes, Cheddar and Beer Soup with Spicy Popcorn Garnish falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!