Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup is a rich, velvety dish that showcases the intense, tangy flavor of blue Stilton cheese combined with the sweetness of slow-cooked onions. Known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into sophisticated meals, Mary Berry’s rendition of this classic British soup is no exception. The blend of creamy cheese and caramelized onions creates a deeply comforting bowl of soup, with a touch of luxury that elevates it above everyday soups. The strong flavor of the blue Stilton melds seamlessly with the smooth texture of the soup, making each spoonful a balanced delight of savory richness.
This soup has all the elements of a hearty meal: the base is comforting, warm, and savory, while the Stilton gives it a deep, complex flavor that is both satisfying and indulgent. It’s perfect for colder months when you need something rich to soothe your soul, and yet its smooth texture and balanced flavors make it an elegant choice for a special occasion or dinner party.
Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton And Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To recreate Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup, here’s a list of the key ingredients you’ll need. Don’t be intimidated by the variety; each element serves a purpose in building the layers of flavor that make this soup truly special.
- Butter: A staple in many of Mary’s recipes, butter is used to sauté the onions and adds a creamy, luxurious feel to the soup’s base. It also helps in building that rich depth of flavor from the beginning.
- Onions: About 3-4 medium-sized onions, thinly sliced. The onions are the heart of this soup; they are caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness, which balances the strong, tangy flavors of the blue Stilton.
- Garlic: Two cloves of garlic, finely chopped, lend a subtle aromatic backdrop to the soup. Garlic is a perfect companion to the onions, adding a little depth and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Flour: A tablespoon or two is needed to help thicken the soup. It also contributes to the velvety texture of the finished dish.
- Vegetable or Chicken Stock: This forms the liquid base of the soup, adding a savory and slightly herbal background. You can opt for a rich homemade stock for a more complex flavor or a good-quality store-bought one for convenience.
- Blue Stilton Cheese: The star ingredient. A British blue cheese known for its crumbly texture and distinct tangy flavor. You’ll need about 150g (around 5 ounces) of crumbled Stilton to ensure the soup is wonderfully cheesy.
- Milk: A bit of milk will help smooth out the consistency of the soup, making it creamy without overpowering the cheese’s flavor.
- Fresh Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme give a herby note to the soup, adding a touch of fragrance and a hint of earthiness to balance out the richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup to your desired taste. Blue Stilton is quite salty on its own, so be careful with the amount of salt you add.
- Crusty Bread (for serving): The perfect accompaniment to this soup is some crusty bread-whether it’s a thick slice of sourdough or a traditional baguette, it helps to soak up the creamy goodness and adds texture to every bite.
Equipment Needed
The beauty of this soup is that it requires minimal equipment, which makes it easy to prepare while still feeling a little bit indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Heavy-Based Pot or Dutch Oven: This will serve as the cooking vessel for your soup. A heavy pot ensures even heat distribution, which is important when you’re slowly caramelizing onions and simmering the soup to perfect consistency.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the onions and garlic. A sharp knife helps you achieve clean cuts and even slices, making sure the onions cook uniformly.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the onions and ensuring they don’t stick or burn during the caramelizing process. It also helps you gently incorporate the cheese into the soup later.
- Soup Ladle: For serving up your velvety soup. A ladle is the perfect tool to scoop up the creamy soup and serve it elegantly in bowls.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For measuring out the stock, flour, and seasonings, ensuring that you get the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.
- Soup Bowls: Ideally, you want a bowl that can hold a generous portion of soup, leaving room for extra toppings like crumbled Stilton or fresh herbs if desired.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton And Onion Soup
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients and equipment, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Here’s how you can make this hearty soup in just a few easy steps:
- Caramelize the Onions: Start by melting the butter in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. The goal is to caramelize the onions, which will take about 20-25 minutes. Be patient, as this step is key to unlocking the sweet, rich flavor that will form the base of your soup.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Once the onions are beautifully golden and soft, add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook the flour for another 2 minutes to eliminate any raw taste, ensuring it’s well incorporated into the onions.
- Incorporate the Stock: Gradually pour in your stock while stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the milk. Then, crumble in the blue Stilton cheese, stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, remembering that the cheese is quite salty, so you may not need much.
- Add Fresh Thyme: Once your soup is ready, add the fresh thyme sprigs and allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to infuse the herby fragrance into the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra crumbled Stilton, fresh thyme leaves, and maybe a slice of your favorite crusty bread on the side.
Tips And Tricks
- Caramelizing the onions: Be patient with this step. The slow cooking process brings out the natural sugars in the onions, which is essential for the depth of flavor in the soup. If you rush it, the soup will lack that sweet richness.
- Use high-quality stock: The stock is the backbone of the soup, so using a flavorful, high-quality stock will elevate the entire dish. You can even use homemade stock for a more complex flavor.
- Blue Stilton variations: If you can’t find Stilton, you can substitute it with another blue cheese, though the flavor might be slightly different. Gorgonzola or Roquefort are good alternatives.
- Thickening options: If the soup turns out too thin, you can thicken it with a bit more flour or let it simmer longer. Alternatively, you could blend part of the soup for a smoother consistency.
- Freezing the soup: If you’re looking to make this soup ahead of time, it freezes well. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing, and remember that the texture may change slightly when reheated.
Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup is a hearty, luxurious dish that combines the comforting warmth of homemade soup with the bold flavors of rich blue cheese and caramelized onions. Its smooth, velvety texture and savory depth make it the perfect dish for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at a dinner party. With just a few key ingredients, a little patience, and a handful of simple steps, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a special gathering, this soup will undoubtedly satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton And Onion Soup
Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup is a rich, indulgent dish with layers of deep, savory flavors. The creamy texture of the Stilton and the sweetness of caramelized onions come together in a way that feels both luxurious and comforting. However, the beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. With just a few modifications, you can take this recipe in different directions to suit various tastes, dietary needs, and ingredient availability. Here are some easy recipe variations:
1. Swap The Blue Stilton For Other Cheeses
While the boldness of blue Stilton is what gives the soup its characteristic flavor, you can easily swap it out for other cheeses to alter the taste profile. Some excellent alternatives include:
- Gorgonzola: For a creamier, milder blue cheese flavor that’s not as pungent as Stilton.
- Roquefort: If you prefer something sharper and more tangy, Roquefort brings a distinct, complex flavor.
- Cheddar: For a more classic, less intense cheese flavor, aged cheddar is a wonderful substitute, especially if you’re looking for a more comforting, crowd-pleasing version.
- Brie or Camembert: If you want to create a less tangy, more buttery soup, swapping Stilton for Brie or Camembert creates a smooth, velvety texture.
2. Add Herbs For Extra Depth
If you want to experiment with flavor complexity, adding fresh herbs to the soup is a great idea. Consider these herb variations:
- Thyme: A classic pairing with onions, thyme’s subtle earthy flavor can enhance the soup without overpowering the Stilton.
- Rosemary: A strong herb, rosemary works well if you want a more robust, piney flavor.
- Bay Leaves: Adding a couple of bay leaves during the cooking process can introduce a subtle layer of fragrance that pairs beautifully with the onions.
- Parsley or Chives: A garnish of finely chopped parsley or chives adds freshness and a pop of color.
3. Make It A Vegetarian Delight
If you’re looking to create a vegetarian version of the soup, you can easily make a few swaps:
- Vegetable Stock: Instead of using a chicken stock base, opt for a rich vegetable stock. This not only caters to vegetarians but also deepens the flavor profile with a more nuanced base.
- Caramelized Shallots: Instead of onions, caramelized shallots can add a gentler, sweeter flavor, which blends beautifully with the Stilton.
- Non-Dairy Alternatives: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use plant-based milks (like oat or almond milk) and substitute a vegan blue cheese for the Stilton. This creates a satisfying, dairy-free version that maintains much of the original’s flavor.
4. Add Protein For A Hearty Meal
To make the soup more filling, consider adding protein:
- Grilled Chicken: Adding some grilled, shredded chicken gives the soup a satisfying texture and makes it a more substantial meal.
- Bacon or Pancetta: Crispy bacon or pancetta adds a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup and the sweetness of the onions.
- Lentils or Beans: For a vegetarian protein boost, try adding lentils or beans (like cannellini beans) to make the soup heartier. Lentils pair particularly well with the creamy blue cheese.
5. Spice It Up
For those who enjoy a little kick, spicing up the soup is a great way to add some heat:
- Chili Flakes: A sprinkle of chili flakes during cooking or as a garnish gives a subtle heat that contrasts well with the richness of the soup.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper can enhance the soup’s complexity and add a mild level of spice.
- Paprika: A touch of smoked paprika adds both warmth and smokiness to the soup, making it feel even more comforting.
These easy variations can help you personalize Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup to suit your taste preferences, making it a flexible dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Storing Leftovers
Like many soups, Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. If you have leftovers, proper storage is key to ensuring that the soup stays fresh and flavorful for future enjoyment. Here’s how you can store it effectively:
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
After the soup has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to allow it to cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation, which can dilute the soup and affect its texture.
2. Freezing Leftovers
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Since the soup contains dairy, it’s essential to note that freezing can cause some slight changes in texture, particularly with the cheese and cream. However, the flavors remain intact. Here’s how to freeze:
- Allow the soup to cool completely.
- Divide it into portions for easy defrosting.
- Transfer it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
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Label the containers with the date so you can track how long it’s been stored.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm it on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
3. Reheating Tips
When reheating the soup, be cautious to avoid overcooking, as this can cause the cheese to separate and the soup to become greasy. To avoid this, reheat over low heat, stirring often. If the soup has thickened too much after storage, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or stock, adding back some of the creamy consistency.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton And Onion Soup?
Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup is a rich, hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes. Here are some delicious options to enjoy alongside it:
1. Crusty Bread Or Croutons
A must-have accompaniment to any soup, crusty bread is perfect for dunking into the rich, creamy broth. Choose a rustic, sourdough loaf or a baguette with a crunchy exterior and soft interior. Alternatively, homemade croutons made from stale bread add an extra level of texture and flavor.
2. Salads
A fresh, crisp salad helps balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Alternatively, a tangy apple and walnut salad can bring a sweet and nutty contrast that complements the blue cheese.
3. Charcuterie
For a more indulgent pairing, serve the soup with a charcuterie board. The salty, cured meats-such as prosciutto, salami, or pâté-pair wonderfully with the bold, savory notes of the soup. Add some dried fruits (like figs or apricots) to introduce a touch of sweetness that balances the flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or squash bring out the natural sweetness of the soup while adding a wholesome, earthy component to the meal. The caramelized edges of roasted veggies offer a nice contrast to the creamy soup.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
For a more indulgent take, serve a grilled cheese sandwich alongside the soup. The gooey, melty cheese and crunchy bread complement the creamy blue Stilton while offering a familiar comfort food vibe.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup is a comforting, luxurious dish that combines the richness of blue cheese with the natural sweetness of caramelized onions. Its versatility makes it easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary preferences, from swapping the cheese to experimenting with various herbs and proteins. Whether you’re enjoying a simple version or one of the many variations, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Storing leftovers is a breeze, and the soup reheats well, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors again and again. Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a charcuterie board for a well-rounded meal that feels both special and satisfying.
In the end, Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients-when combined with a little creativity-can lead to an unforgettable dish. Whether it’s a rainy evening or a special occasion, this soup is a timeless classic that will always hit the spot.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton And Onion Soup?
Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup requires the following ingredients: onions, butter, vegetable stock, milk, cream, blue stilton cheese, olive oil, and seasoning like salt and pepper. You’ll also need a bit of flour to thicken the soup. The combination of blue stilton and sweet caramelized onions gives the soup a rich, tangy flavor with a creamy texture.
How Do I Make Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton And Onion Soup?
To make Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup, start by gently frying thinly sliced onions in butter and olive oil until they soften and become golden brown. Add a bit of flour to the mixture to help thicken the soup. Then, pour in vegetable stock and milk, and let it simmer for around 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors. Once done, stir in crumbled blue stilton cheese and heavy cream for added richness. Blend the soup until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton And Onion Soup In Advance?
Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s Blue Stilton and Onion Soup in advance! In fact, the flavors tend to develop even more the next day. After preparing the soup, allow it to cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove and add a little extra cream or milk if you prefer a smoother texture. However, it is best to wait until just before serving to add the stilton cheese to avoid it becoming too overpowering.
