Creamy Gruyere Soup with a Chardonnay Twist
My dear wine and food lovers, today I bring to you a recipe that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. From the heart of Switzerland comes a Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup, a dish that is not only creamy and delicious but also pairs perfectly with a variety of wines.
What makes this soup so special is the use of Gruyere cheese, a distinctive ingredient with a nutty and sweet flavor that blends exquisitely with the creamy texture of the soup. This cheese is not only perfect for melting on mac and cheese or in fondue recipes but also adds a unique touch to any cheese soup.
But what truly elevates this dish to the next level is the addition of Chardonnay wine, providing just the right amount of acid to balance out the rich flavor of the cheese. The combination of these two ingredients creates a depth of flavor that is perfect for any occasion.
And if you’re in need of a food pairing for this delicious soup, may I suggest trying it with mushroom risotto or beef broth-based soups like wild rice or creamy chicken? Believe me when I say, you won’t be disappointed.
So let’s get cooking my friends, and experience the marriage of flavors that is Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try! The combination of rich and nutty gruyere cheese, crisp chardonnay wine with its subtle fruity notes, and velvety-smooth cream make for a hearty and decadent soup that’s perfect for warming up during the colder months.
This soup recipe is not only lip-smacking delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients like diced carrots, onions, celery, flour, butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, and gruyere cheese grated to perfection – you can transform your basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal in no time!
The flavor profile of this soup brings together the nuttiness of the cheese with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions and earthiness from the mushrooms. Additionally, the white wine adds acidity while balancing the richness of the sauce.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your liking and add your preferred type of vegetables or meat to make it your own creation. It’s suitable for any mealtime; however, it’s especially perfect as an evening comfort food when paired with a crusty bread roll.
Lastly, this recipe can be easily scaled up or down to meet your needs. You can make a big batch and freeze it for future meals for those busy days or even wow guests with it when they come over for dinner. Trust me; your guests won’t stop raving about how delicious it is!
All factors considered; I am confident that you’ll fall in love with this Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup Recipe right at first taste. So why wait? Put on your apron and give it a try!
Ingredient List
- Butter – 6 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 diced onion
- Carrots – 1 cup diced
- Celery – 1 cup diced
- Flour – 1/2 cup
- Chicken Broth – 5 cups
- White Wine – 1 cup, use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Swiss Chard – 3 cups chopped
- Gruyere Cheese – 4 cups grated
- Heavy Cream – 2 cups
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
This is a creamy and flavorful soup that requires some specific ingredients to bring out its full potential. The backbone of the dish lies in the lush and nutty Gruyere cheese, which makes up the majority of the soup’s flavor. To balance it out, we use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, and fresh Swiss chard for some added bitterness. Delicious creaminess comes from a hefty amount of heavy cream, while onion, carrots, celery, and chicken broth provide volume and depth. You’ll also want to make sure you have some butter and flour on hand for your roux!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to start preparing this heavenly cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay soup that will warm your soul on a chilly day.
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
First, we will prep our vegetables. Take one onion, one carrot, and one celery stalk and chop them into small pieces. In a large pot, melt four tablespoons of butter on medium heat until golden brown. Then add the chopped vegetables and stir for about five minutes until soft.
Step 2: Creating the Base
Now it is time to create the base of our soup. Add half a cup of flour to the pot and mix thoroughly until you form a paste-like consistency. Gradually pour in five cups of warm chicken broth and one cup of white wine, stirring constantly.
Step 3: The Cheese Sauce
This cheese sauce is what sets this soup apart from all others, so pay close attention. Take two cups of grated Gruyere cheese and add it to the pot, whisking the mixture until a creamy consistency forms. Gradually add three cups of chopped Swiss chard and continue whisking.
Step 4: Seasoning
It’s time to season our soup with some spices! Add salt, pepper, and paprika (about one teaspoon each), and half a teaspoon of sugar.
Step 5: Creamy Finish
Lastly, we want to make our soup extra creamy! Add one cup of heavy cream to the pot and stir gently. Let it cook for another five minutes or so until you achieve your desired texture.
Congratulations! You’ve done it! Your rich and savory Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup recipe is ready! Now you can serve it to your guests or enjoy it all to yourself.
Substitutions and Variations
For those who would like to experiment with the flavors of this Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup recipe or for those who want to try different ingredients, there are various substitutions and variations that you can consider.
One variation you can try is replacing the white wine with red wine. Red wine adds a unique flavor and aroma to the dish, so you can use pinot noir or any other dry red wine that you prefer instead of white wine. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you’re vegetarian.
If gruyere cheese isn’t your thing, you can try using swiss cheese or cheddar in place of gruyere. These substitutions will result in a modified taste profile but still keep the soup rich and flavorful.
For those who would like to add more greens to their meal, consider adding some spinach, kale or arugula into the soup. These green leafy vegetables blend well with the flavors in the soup.
If you have dietary restrictions, you can swap heavy cream for sour cream or one-to-one mixture of coconut milk and almond milk, which will provide a vegan option.
Not everyone has all ingredients all the time so it is important to know equivalent options. If any ingredient is missing, rice flour or cornstarch can be used instead of wheat flour as a thickener. Also, depending on your preference different types of alcohol can be suitable as substitution for White Wine like Pinot Grigio Sauvignon Blanc.
These are just a few substitution options but don’t hesitate to experiment and create new spins on this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to soup, wine might not be the first beverage that comes to mind, but this cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay soup recipe will surely change your mind! This rich and velvety soup is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special occasion. It pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have a smooth finish that complements the creaminess of the soup, while their acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese.
For those who prefer red over white, a light-bodied red wine such as a Pinot Noir can work well too. Its fruit forwardness offers balance to the savoury flavour of gruyere cheese while its delicate tannins add structure without overpowering the dish.
To elevate this soup further, I suggest serving it with hearty bread or pita chips. The subtly sweet taste of the bread will harmonize with this creamy goodness, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
Additionally, if you’re looking to impress your guests even more, you may wanna go for some bitter greens like arugula or kale salad. The bitterness helps clear your palate and prepares you for another mouthful of this nutrient-packed indulgence.
Ultimately, whether you’re hosting family and friends or enjoying a bowl alone after work, this comforting Gruyere and Chardonnay soup recipe marries well with bold yet balanced wine in a way that soothes your soul and elevates every sip and bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a sommelier, I believe that good food and wine should be enjoyed at every moment. That’s why it’s always advantageous to have some extra portions of this Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup, especially if you’re planning on hosting a dinner party or entertaining guests.
If you’re thinking of making this recipe ahead of time, go for it. You can prepare the soup entirely before adding any dairy products such as heavy cream or milk. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When you’re ready to serve, take the container out of the fridge and put it on the stove over low heat. As the soup re-heats, stir it occasionally and wait until it reaches your desired temperature. After that, you can add the heavy cream and grated gruyere cheese, which will give the soup that distinctively rich taste.
If you have leftovers after your meal, storing them is a breeze. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container and refrigerating for up to three days or freezing for up to two months.
Reheating this soup is ridiculously simple too. Put the frozen thawed soup back into a saucepan placed over medium heat with a bit of water or broth to expedite the procedure. Stir occasionally until fully heated through.
Whether enjoying this Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup solo or as part of a two-course meal with mushroom risotto or roasted vegetables, it remains perfect all through serving time with its recipe precision committed well into reheating-in instances like this!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup, there are a few tips that can help you achieve that velvety-smooth texture and rich, savory flavor. Here are some of my favorite tips for ensuring perfect results every time:
1. Use quality ingredients: This soup relies heavily on the flavor of the Gruyere cheese and white wine, so be sure to use high-quality versions of both. Freshly grated cheese is a must for best flavor and meltability.
2. Melt the cheese slowly: When adding the cheese to the soup, it’s important to melt it slowly over low heat to avoid clumps or separation. Add the cheese in small amounts at a time, stirring continuously until fully melted before adding more.
3. Stir often: Similarly, be sure to stir the soup regularly while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Adjust seasoning: As with any recipe, taste as you go and adjust seasonings according to your preference. If using low-sodium chicken broth, for instance, you may need to add additional salt.
5. Don’t overcook the chard: Swiss chard is delicate and can quickly become overcooked and mushy. Be sure to add it toward the end of cooking and cook only until wilted.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup that will have your dinner guests raving!
Bottom Line
As a lover of flavorful and indulgent soups, I strongly recommend trying this Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup recipe. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and hint of white wine, it is sure to satisfy your cravings on a cold winter day or impress your guests at a dinner party. The combination of swiss chard and gruyere cheese makes for a mouthwatering duo that you won’t be able to resist.
Plus, the recipe is highly versatile, allowing for substitutions and variations to match your tastes and preferences. It can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated with ease thanks to its simple ingredients and process. Whether you serve it as a first course or a main dish, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit.
To take your dining experience to the next level, I suggest pairing this soup with a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect match. Or you can always indulge further by serving it with some crusty bread or adding in some spices like paprika and pepper.
Overall, this Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup recipe is the perfect addition to any menu when looking to add an extra touch of sophistication and elegance to your meals. I encourage you to try it out for yourself and discover the delicious wonder of this dish.
Cream of Gruyere and Chardonnay Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1/4 cup carrot
- 1 cup Chardonnay wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups shredded gruyere
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika, plus
- 1 pinch paprika, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in skillet and saute carrots, onions and celery for several minutes until onions and celery are opaque.
- Add 1/2 of chicken broth to pan then transfer contents of pan to blender; puree until smooth. Return mixture to deeper soup pot.
- Add remaining ingredients and heat on medium, stirring constantly, for 12-15 minutes.
- Serve hot with cold sweet grapes on the side and garnish the surface of the soup with a little paprika.