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Robin Ward

French Bistro Parmesan Soup

Prepare to be comforted as this velvety, creamy soup soothes your soul. As versatile as it is rich, the soup delivers an intense Parmesan taste, and the delightful crunch of bacon and garlicky croutons. This velvety delight is the epitome of comfort for chilly weather, and trust me, your family is in for a treat!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: French
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (60g)
  • 2 onions, coarsely chopped
  • 7 oz Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano, sliced, divided (200g)
  • 4 cups chicken stock (1 liter) I used unsalted.
  • 1 qt heavy cream (1 liter)
  • 1 pint light cream (473 ml)
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 6 strips bacon, finely chopped for garnish
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • croutons (see recipe below)
  • ½ baguette or 3 slices of rustic boule for croutons
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil for croutons
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced for croutons
  • 1 shallot, minced for garnish
  • handful fresh chives, finely chopped (or parsley)

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • blender
  • fry pan
  • sheet pan

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Cook the onions until soft, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add three-quarters of the Parmesan cheese, the chicken stock, cream, and milk. Bring to a low simmer and cook until the ingredients are melted and the soup has thickened slightly, about 45 minutes.
  3. While the soup is cooking (or beforehand), Cook the bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.
  4. Make the croutons by following the recipe below.
  5. Add the remaining Parmesan to the soup and simmer for 10 minutes. more.
  6. Puree the soup in a blender in batches, then strain through a sieve. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Scatter the croutons, shallots, chives, and bacon into soup bowls, ladle the soup on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the Croutons:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma.
  4. Strain the olive oil to remove garlic.
  5. Spread baguette cubes on a parchment-lined baking dish.
  6. Drizzle with the garlic-infused olive oil and toss well.
  7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the croutons are crisp and slightly browned.
Enjoy these flavorful croutons as a delicious addition to your favorite dishes!