Creamy Oatmeal Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups Chicken Stock (Use a good quality chicken stock for best flavor.)
• 1 4 cup Rolled Oats (Use rolled oats, not instant.)
• 2 cups Milk (Whole milk recommended for richness, but any milk will work.)
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 1 4 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste)
• 1 4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground, to taste)

Instructions

1. 1In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rolled oats and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal is very soft and the stock has thickened slightly.
2. 2Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. This step is optional, but it creates a creamier texture.
3. 3In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (a roux). Be careful not to burn the butter.
4. 4Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, into the roux until smooth. Heat the milk in the microwave for 1 minute before adding to the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. 5Pour the milk mixture into the pureed soup and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently until warmed through. Do not boil.