Southern Lady

A quarterly magazine from Hoffman Media celebrating luxurious living in the South

Soups

Onion Bisque with Parsley Pesto

This light Onion Bisque with Parsley Pesto will complement any winter menu.
 
Onion Bisque with Parsley Pesto

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add onion to Dutch oven; cook until translucent and beginning to caramelize, about 30 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Onion Bisque with Parsley Pesto

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

Method
 

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°.
  4. 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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Onion Bisque with Parsley Pesto

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