Vegetarian Beer Cheese Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 6 tablespoons butter
02 - 1 white onion, diced
03 - 1.5 cups sliced carrots
04 - 1.5 cups sliced celery
05 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 teaspoons dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 4 tablespoons flour
09 - 4 cups vegetable broth
10 - 12 oz. can of beer
11 - 1.5 lbs. potatoes, diced in 1/2″ pieces
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
14 - 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
15 - Kosher salt, to taste
16 - Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

17 - Sliced green onion
18 - Shredded cheddar cheese
19 - Soft pretzel bites

# Instructions:

01 - Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for 12-13 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
02 - Turn heat to medium and add garlic, oregano and thyme. Cook for another minute.
03 - Add flour and stir to coat vegetables. Cook for one more minute, stirring frequently.
04 - Add a splash of vegetable broth to deglaze the pot, scraping the flavorful bits off the bottom.
05 - Stir in diced potatoes, remaining vegetable broth, and beer, along with another pinch of salt and pepper.
06 - Cover, turn heat up to medium-high, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
07 - Remove soup from heat. Transfer soup mixture to a high-speed blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy. Return soup to the pot.
08 - Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheese, and white balsamic vinegar. Continue stirring until cheese is completely melted.
09 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, additional shredded cheddar cheese, and serve with soft pretzel bites if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For best flavor, choose a beer with a rich profile - amber ales or lagers work well in this soup.
02 - The white balsamic vinegar adds brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.