Bread And Cheese Soup From The Grisons Food

NONNA'S BREAD SOUP

Steps:

• In a Large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium-low heat; fry the garlic until lightly golden--about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn as this will cause a bitter taste. Add 4 cups of water, the bouillon, parsley, bread, tomatoes and mushrooms.
• Bring soup to a simmer and cook 5 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked through and the bread softens. While stirring the soup, pour the eggs into the hot soup to create ribbons of egg. (Alternatively, you can add unbeaten eggs to the soup whole and poach, about 3 minutes.)
• Season the soup to taste. Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle with cheese.

PASSATELLI DEI NONNI (BREAD AND PARMESAN CHEESE SOUP)

Steps:

• Place the bread crumbs, Parmesan, nutmeg and the lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and carefully mix together with your hands until it forms a soft dough-like consistency.
• The mixture should be like a wet dough, barely holding together.
• If it seems too stiff, add 1 tablespoon water or stock. If it's too soft, add more breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
• Allow the dough to rest for approximately 20 minutes in a cool place.
• Once ready, put the dough in a food mill or ricer. Press to create short noodles (like little worms).
• Bring the meat stock to a boil and add the pasta. Once the passatelli have risen to the surface, they are ready to eat.
• Serve immediately.

BREAD-AND-CHEESE SOUP

Steps:

• Bring the chicken stock to a strong boil and add the salt and pepper. Meanwhile, break the toast into pieces and place the equivalent of 1 slice in each of four soup bowls. Divide the cheese among the bowls, sprinkle with the ground pepper and pour the boiling stock on top. Serve immediately.

BEER CHEESE SOUP IN A BREAD BOWL WITH KIELBASA "CROUTONS"

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa and cook until browned and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, mustard powder and cayenne. Cook the vegetables until tender and translucent, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the bread bowls. Using a sharp knife, slice the top off of each boule to use as a topper. Hollow out the middle with a fork or your fingers, leaving a thick bread shell. Save the removed bread for another use.
• Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire. Pour in the stock and beer and simmer until the alcohol cooks out, about 5 minutes.
• Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Add the Cheddar and Gruyere and stir until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into the bread bowls and serve immediately, topped with the kielbasa croutons and chives. Use the bread toppers for dipping, if desired.

TOMATO SOUP WITH TEAR & SHARE CHEESY BREAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Make up the bread mix following pack instructions, then roll out to a 30 x 40cm rectangle. Spread over 75g of the garlic butter and half the oregano, then sprinkle the cheese and roll up like a Swiss roll.
• Cut into 8 even slices and transfer to a well-greased round 23cm tin and arrange 7 round the outside, 1 in the middle. Brush with any leftover butter. Cover with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place to puff up while you make the soup. Once doubled in size, bake bread for 25-30 mins.
• Heat the remaining garlic butter in a pan until foaming. Add the onion and carrot, and cook until softened. Pour in the tomatoes, crumble over the stock cube, add the remaining oregano and simmer for about 20 mins, then stir in the crème fraîche. Blend and season - it may need a pinch of sugar if it tastes slightly acidic. Add enough boiling water for a good soup consistency and keep on a gentle heat until the bread is done.

ONION SOUP WITH HERBY GARLIC CHEESE BREAD

Steps:

• Melt 1 tbsp of the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the onions, stir well, then cover and gently cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 mins - they should be really soft but not browned. Add half the garlic, increase the heat and cook for 5 mins more, adding a splash of stock if the onions start to stick - they should brown a little now.
• Stir in the flour and chutney, and cook for 1-2 mins, then pour over most of the stock and simmer while you make the garlic bread. Mix the rest of the butter and garlic with half the parsley. Season.
• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut each baguette into about 6 slices, but don't go all the way through. Add a little of the butter mixture and some mozzarella into each cut, then push back together to seal. Wrap in a double layer of foil. Bake for 10-15 mins, until the butter is melted. Season the soup, adding remaining stock if required. Serve with garlic bread.