Swiss Alpine Bread Soup

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups (240g) crusty bread, cubed 4 cups (240g) crusty bread, cubed
• 1 cup (100g) Gruyère cheese, grated 1 cup (100g) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 cup (100g) Emmental cheese, grated 1 cup (100g) Emmental cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 4g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
2. 2.
   Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed bread to the pot. Stir gently to ensure all the bread is coated with the broth.
4. 4.
   Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors of the broth.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheeses to the soup, stirring continuously until they melt and create a creamy consistency.
6. 6.
   Season the soup with salt and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. 8.
   Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or chives.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread — It is best to use day-old crusty bread for this recipe as it absorbs the broth better. If you don't have day-old bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven before adding them to the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the soup while sautéing the onions.
• Experiment with different types of Swiss cheese to find your preferred combination of flavors.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the grated cheese.

Serving advice

Serve the Swiss Alpine Bread Soup hot in individual bowls. It pairs well with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Crusty bread or Swiss rye bread makes a perfect accompaniment to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of Swiss Alpine Bread Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic ceramic bowls to enhance the cozy and traditional feel of the dish.