Category: Winter
Baked Risotto with Sausage and Kale
| April 23, 2012 | Filled under Italian, Quick Weeknight Meals, Risotto, Shawn's Favorites, Winter |
The man who works in the parking garage near my office was in a particularly bad mood this morning. I can’t say that I blamed him. Saturday’s warm sun had gone away, and cold rain settled in. The air was heavy and damp and everything looked gloomy. As he watched person after person head into their toasty warm offices filled with friendly colleagues, he was stuck sitting alone in his little booth (that is, until he had to come out in the rain to deal with my permit issues). On top of all that, it was Monday. I wished that had some of this hearty sausage and kale risotto to share with him – with it’s stick-to-your-ribs warmth, it would have been sure to cheer him up. I could have used some myself. Read More
Cheddar & Ale Soup
| March 12, 2012 | Filled under Lent, Light, Quick Weeknight Meals, Shawn's Favorites, Soups and Stews, Vegetarian or Vegan, Winter |
During my freshman year of college, there was a vegetarian station in my Quad’s dining hall. It was tucked away in the back corner, all the way on the other side of the seating area (God forbid there be any chance of Buffalo tempeh or curried lentils coming into contact with the pizzas or chicken patties served in the main section!). I honestly don’t think many students even noticed that it was there.
I wasn’t even close to resembling a vegetarian, but I found myself eating there most nights (it was only open for dinner) because the food was actually good! Unlike the mainstream options, the food wasn’t super processed. And, thanks to their focus on international cuisine, it actually had flavor. Read More
Cheddar & Ale Soup
Yields 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes
Despite being relatively low in fat, this soup is incredibly rich and hearty – you don’t need to add much to turn it into a meal! Serve it simply with a piece of crust baguette or, my favorite, pretzel goldfish. A side of steamed broccoli rabe keeps things tasting light and fresh (and it’s delicious dunked into the cheesy broth.)
Don’t be tempted to dump the cheese in all at once; if it isn’t added slowly it will bind together into a huge congealed mass instead of melting into the soup. Also, steer clear of pre-shredded cheese. It’s coated with starch and won’t melt right at all. I like Cabot 50% Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head Cauliflower, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 2 ribs Celery, finely chopped
- 1 Jalapeño, minced
- 2 cloves Garlic, smashed
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) Ale, or other mild beer
- 3 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock
- 6 ounces 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, shredded
Preparation
- Fit a pot of water with a steamer insert and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower to the insert, cover, and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until very soft.
- While the cauliflower steams, heat the olive oil in a medium-sized (about 5 quart), heavy-bottomed pot. When the oil is hot, add the onion, celery, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until soft. Sprinkle with the flour and paprika, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Add half the beer. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the beer is reduced by about half. Add 2-1/2 cups of the chicken stock and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Little by little, add in the shredded cheese, letting it melt completely between additions. Add the remaining beer.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock and the steamed cauliflower to a food processor or blender and process until very smooth. Stir into the soup.
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