Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors of the Velvety Chipotle Onion & Poblano Soup?
The soup features a harmonious blend of sweet caramelized onions with the smoky heat of chipotle and poblano peppers.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this recipe?
This dish is adapted from the culinary inspirations of Donna Nordon at Cafe Terra Cotta.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four large yellow onions.
How should the yellow onions be prepared?
They should be peeled, halved, and thinly sliced.
How long should the onions be sautéed initially?
Sauté the onions in melted butter for 5-10 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
Why should I set aside some sautéed onions?
About 1/3 cup of the sautéed onions should be reserved to be used as a garnish for the final dish.
What type of wine is used in this soup?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sherry wine.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by creating a roux with 1/2 cup of flour mixed into the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
What kind of stock can I use for this recipe?
You can use either chicken stock or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
How many Oaxacan chilies are required?
The recipe requires six Oaxacan chilies or suitable substitutes.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the stock and dried chilies?
The mixture should be brought to a boil and then simmered for 30 minutes.
What do I do with the Oaxacan chilies after the 30-minute simmer?
The chilies should be removed and discarded after they have flavored the soup base.
What makes this soup creamy?
The creaminess comes from the addition of two cups of heavy cream and two cups of shredded white cheddar cheese.
What type of shredded cheese is used in the soup?
The recipe uses sharp white cheddar cheese.
When are the poblano chiles added?
The diced poblano chiles are stirred in along with the heavy cream and cheddar cheese after the initial simmering period.
How long is the final simmering stage?
The soup should simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the flavors meld.
How many baguette slices are recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests using 12 baguette slices.
What is the recommended topping for the baguette garnish?
The baguette slices should be spread thickly with blue cheese and warmed in the oven.
How much blue cheese is needed for the garnish?
The recipe calls for two ounces of blue cheese.
How do you assemble the soup for serving?
Place a warmed blue cheese baguette slice in the center of each bowl, top it with reserved sautéed onions, and ladle the hot soup around it.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, the description mentions that this recipe is excellent for meal prepping.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, by using vegetable stock, the soup can be prepared as a vegetarian dish.
How much butter is used to sauté the onions?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of chopped garlic.
When should I add salt to the soup?
Salt should be adjusted according to your taste during the final simmering stage.
What is the preparation method for the poblano chiles?
The poblano chiles should be diced before being added to the soup.
How much heavy cream is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two cups of heavy cream.
What is the quantity of shredded white cheddar needed?
The recipe requires two cups of shredded white cheddar cheese.
Does this soup work well for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a robust and satisfying soup perfect for feeding a crowd.
What is the role of the sherry wine in the recipe?
The sherry wine is added to the pot after the garlic to simmer and enhance the flavor base of the soup.