Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, in small cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups whole milk ( or 1 cup half and half and 1 cup water)
3 cups unsalted chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon dried french tarragon leaves, pieces
1 clove garlic, smashed and minced
2 scallions, white and light green parts, minced
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon mild curry powder
8 ounces swiss cheese, grated
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 cup diced cooked ham or 1 cup smoked ham
salt
fresh ground black pepper or tricolor pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon freshly minced basil
Directions:
In a skillet over medium high heat, saute the chicken breasts in the olive oil until browned, about 7 to 9 minutes; remove from skillet, drain of excess oil, and set aside, keeping warm.
In a large heavy saucepan, heat the milk and chicken broth over medium temperature.
Add the tarragon (crushing it a bit in your hand, first), garlic, scallion, white pepper, and curry powder, and bring to a light simmer.
Add 3/4th of the Swiss cheese gradually (reserving the remaining 1/4 for garnish), stirring constantly, until well-incorporated.
Gradually add the white wine, then the sour cream.
Using an immersion blender, whir the soup until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated (soup may have a tendency to separate before this point); alternately, you can pour it all into the blender or food processor.
Put the soup back in the saucepan if you removed it, then add the ham, and the cooked chicken breast; season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
Garnish with reserved grated Swiss cheese and basil and serve immediately.
Servings: 4
Time preparation: 15 min.
Time total: 45 min.