Soup and Chowder to Make Quickly and Easily: Cheese Bean Chowder and Brat-Cheese Soup
I love soups and could eat them everyday. But I don't always have the time to make a big pot of soup that simmers for hours. I have found some soups that can be made in minutes or without a lot of work. If you are in the mood for soup but have a limited amount of time, try these recipes. Cheese-Bean Chowder does not have meat so for the meat lovers out there, go with the Brat-Cheese Soup.
CHEESE-BEAN CHOWDER
3 (15-oz each) cans navy beans*, drained
2 cups water
1 med onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 tsp instant beef bouillon granules
1/2 tsp dried basil, crushed
1 bay leaf
2 cups milk
1 jar (8-oz) pasteurized process cheese spread
minced fresh parsley for garnish, optional
In a large saucepan or a Dutch oven, combine drained beans, water, onion, celery, bouillon granules, basil and bay leaf. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Mash beans slightly with a fork. Stir in milk and process cheese spread. Cook and stir until process cheese spread melts and the soup is heated through. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with the parsley, if desired.
*Pinto beans work just as well--your preference.
BRAT-CHEESE SOUP
1/4 cup butter
2 carrots, shredded
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1 tsp dried onion flakes
1/4 cup flour
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
4 cups milk
8-oz smoked bratwurst, sliced
2 cups cubed Velveeta-style cheese
In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the carrots and celery to the butter and cook until tender; add the onion flakes. Stir in the flour and pepper until blended. Add the milk, stirring while you pour it in. Add the bratwurst to the mixture. Cook and stir soup over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir another minute. Add the cheese to the mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted.
Enjoy!
