Kaizen Media Blog

Old cheddar cheese is an absolute must for this English favourite.

Ingredients:
3/4 lb (375 g) trimmed boneless beef sirloin steak
1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 onion, diced
1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried thyme
2 cups (500 mL) sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup (125 mL) pearl barley
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) beef stock
2 tbsp (30 mL) Worcestershire sauce (approx.)
3 tbsp (45 mL) all-purpose flour
3 cups (750 mL) milk
Salt and pepper
1 cup (250 mL) shredded Canadian old cheddar cheese

Preparation:
Cut steak into 3/4 inch (2 cm) cubes. In large pot, melt butter over high heat; brown beef on all sides. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add garlic, carrots, onion and thyme; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until onions are softened. Add mushrooms and barley and stir to combine. Stir in beef stock and Worcestershire; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until barley is tender. Increase heat to medium. Whisk flour into milk and gradually stir into pot. Cook, uncovered, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with old cheddar cheese.

A medium cheddar cheese gives chowder extra heartiness.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups (500 mL) cauliflower, chopped
2 cups (500 mL) broccoli, chopped
1 cup (250 mL) grated carrot
1 can (10 oz/284 mL) condensed chicken broth
1 cup (250 mL) water
2 cups (500 mL) milk
1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) shredded Canadian medium cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper

Preparation:
Melt butter in large saucepan. Cook and stir onion over medium-high heat until tender. Add cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, chicken broth and water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Whisk milk into flour until smoothly combine; add to saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Remove pan from heat; add 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) medium cheddar cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.