Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup ale or stout beer
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream or milk
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
Instructions
- In a pot, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Stir in flour to make a light roux and cook 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in broth and beer; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Lower heat and whisk in milk and cream; add paprika, pepper, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir in cheddar until melted and smooth. If using greens, add and heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch and skip roux if desired.
- Use a strong, malty ale for deeper flavor.
- Stir constantly to prevent curdling when adding dairy.
- Leftovers reheat well, stirring to regain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fantasy-inspired Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350 ml)
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
