CHEDDAR SOUP

Cheddar Soup image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, chopped (about 2 teaspoons)
6 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken stock, or reduced-sodium canned broth
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 pound mushrooms, thinly sliced (about 3 1/2 cups)
Salt
2 carrots, grated
1/2 pound cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)

Steps:

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook until soft, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in flour, and cook, stirring, until it bubbles. Gradually add 1/2 cup stock, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly to incorporate each addition completely. Slowly add remaining 1 1/2 cups stock and the water, still stirring. Add mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon salt, and simmer until mushrooms are soft, about 20 minutes.
Add carrots, return soup to a simmer, and then remove from heat. Stir in half the cheese until it melts into the liquid, and then stir in remaining cheese. Serve at once.