Ploughman S Soup Recipe

A hearty and comforting twist on classic English fare! This Ploughman's Soup recipe celebrates the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and creamy Cheshire cheese. Taking your time to perfectly caramelize the onions is key – it's an essential step that unlocks incredible depth of flavor. We use authentic Cheshire cheese for its uniquely moist, crumbly texture and mild, salty taste, though a similar mild cheddar can be substituted. This soul-warming soup is perfect for a chilly evening and showcases the best of British culinary heritage. Try it and taste the tradition!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 386.3 kcal
Protein 19g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Ploughman S Soup 68

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Ploughman S Soup

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Onions
  • Whole Wheat Flour
  • Chicken Stock
  • 1 cup ale
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Cheshire Cheese
  • Salt And Pepper
  • Onion Rings

How to Make Ploughman S Soup

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add 2 large onions, thinly sliced, and cook gently, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Remove from the heat. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of beef or vegetable stock and 1 cup of ale, ensuring no lumps form.
  5. Return the pot to medium heat and bring the soup to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
  7. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
  8. Reserve 1/4 cup of grated Cheshire cheese (approximately 1/2 ounce).
  9. Stir in the remaining 1 3/4 cups of grated Cheshire cheese (approximately 3.5 ounces), a little at a time, until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
  10. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  11. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with the reserved cheese and a sprinkle of caramelized onions.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

21 g

Sugar

34g

Fat

59g

Carbs

11g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)