Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Beer Mac & Cheese Soup

Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Additional veggies, like broccoli or peas
  • 1/4 c. flour 
  • 2 c. vegetable broth
  • 1-12 oz. bottle beer
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • 1 c. elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce
  • 3 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
  • cayenne to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Add the onion, carrot, celery and jalapeno to melted butter and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add additional vegetables, like broccoli or peas. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Mix in the flour and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the broth, beer, nutmeg, and macaroni and let cook until the macaroni is al-dente, about 7-8 minutes. Add the cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and cheese and cook until the cheese has melted without bringing it back to a boil. Season with cayenne, salt and pepper to taste.