Irish Beer Cheese Soup

Do I even need to write anything here?  This recipe contains beer, cheese, and is topped with popcorn.  I think it speaks for itself. ;)

I ask you to forgive the pictures as we were trying to sit down to dinner, the popcorn was sinking, and well, I was hungry.  Picture this soup with a pretty mound of popcorn on top.  Thank you.

What makes this soup Irish?  It starts here:

Irish beer, and two Irish cheeses...Kerrygold Dubliner with Irish Stout (I've been eating this like candy lately), and Vintage Dubliner.  If you aren't feeling Irish, or can't find Kerrygold, feel free to substitute cheddar.  Be sure to grate the cheese at home; the pre-grated stuff is coated keeping it from melting properly.


Irish Beer Cheese Soup
{serves 4}

2 TBSP butter
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 TBSP flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
2 dashes cayenne pepper
1 (12 oz) bottle beer
1 cup milk
1 cup grated Kerrygold Dubliner with Irish Stout
1 cup grated Kerrygold Vintage Dubliner
popped popcorn
smoked paprika

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add the onion and celery and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes. 

Stir in the flour and spices, stirring and cooking until the flour is incorporated.

Add in the beer and milk, stir occasionally until it comes to a boil.  Boil 1 minute, then reduce the heat to low.

Add the grated cheese a bit at a time, stirring until melted.  Ladle into bowls and top with popcorn and a sprinkling of smoked paprika.

 

Serve with a big hunk of Irish Soda Bread.

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