Comforting Soups & Sandwiches

APPLE AND BEER CHEESE SOUP

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

This cozy soup has complex flavor thanks to tart apple, sweet onion, and IPA beer.

5 tablespoons salted butter, divided
1 cup chopped sweet onion
½ cup chopped carrot
1½ cups chopped peeled Granny Smith apple
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 (12-ounce) bottle IPA beer
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup whole milk
6 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
4 ounces shredded smoked Gouda
1 cup cubed marbled rye bread
½ cup chopped pecans, toasted

1. In a large Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, apple, salt, and black pepper; cook until mixture becomes tender, about 5 minutes. Add dry mustard, red pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring often, until mixture is very tender, about 3 minutes. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add beer, stock, and milk, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium-high and boil, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 3