This light Onion Bisque with Parsley Pesto will complement any winter menu.
Onion Bisque with Parsley Pesto
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
Pesto:
- 1½ cups fresh parsley leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Bisque:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 8 cups sliced yellow onion
- 8 cloves garlic, sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1 (4-ounce) package goat cheese
- Woodland Cheese Branches (recipe follows)
Instructions
- For pesto: In the container of a blender, place parsley, oil, 3 tablespoons water, lemon zest and juice, garlic, and salt; process until smooth. Set aside.
- For bisque: In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon, and let drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in pot.
- Add onion to Dutch oven; cook until translucent and beginning to caramelize, about 30 minutes.
- Add garlic to pot; cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add broth, vinegar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat; let cool for 30 minutes. Discard thyme and rosemary sprigs. Using a handheld blender, purée soup until smooth. Drizzle pesto over soup servings. Sprinkle with bacon, goat cheese, and remaining ½ teaspoon pepper. Serve with Woodland Cheese Branches.
Woodland Cheese Branches
Makes 12
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces extra sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, cheeses, salt, red pepper, and paprika at medium speed until combined. Gradually add flour, beating just until combined. Gently shape into 4-inch sticks and place on prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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