A comforting and flavorful soup, perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich and creamy mushroom soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or a mix)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of the soup, so don’t rush it. The onions should be softened but not browned, and the garlic should be fragrant without burning.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and have released most of their moisture. Cooking the mushrooms until they are well-browned intensifies their flavor. They should shrink in size as they release their moisture. Be patient and avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can steam the mushrooms instead of browning them.
Step 3: Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This is an essential step for thickening the soup. Make sure the flour is evenly distributed and cooked through. This process is called creating a “roux.”
Step 4: Add Broth: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Adding the broth slowly and stirring constantly prevents the flour from clumping. Simmering the soup allows the broth to thicken slightly, creating a creamy texture.
Step 5: Add Cream & Thyme: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and heated through. Do not boil. Adding the cream at the end gives the soup its signature richness and velvety texture. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle. The thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
Step 6: Season & Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve with your favorite accompaniments for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
This creamy mushroom soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and it’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is sure to hit the spot. The rich, creamy texture and earthy mushroom flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
DRINK Rating:
Pair this recipe with:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this creamy mushroom soup with:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- A side salad
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the soup won’t be as creamy.
- Add a splash of sherry or white wine to the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a chunkier soup, reserve some of the cooked mushrooms and add them back in after blending.
- Use an immersion blender for ease and speed.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion:
This creamy mushroom soup is a timeless classic that’s sure to warm your heart and soul. With its rich flavor, velvety texture, and simple preparation, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of mushrooms?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use any combination of mushrooms you like. Cremini, button, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms all work well. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan by substituting the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Ensure the vegetable broth is also vegan-friendly.
Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze this soup, but the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the cream content. To minimize this, cool the soup completely before freezing it in an airtight container. When reheating, stir gently and avoid boiling.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup. Carrots, celery, and potatoes are all great additions. Add them along with the onions and cook until softened before adding the mushrooms.
Q5: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup while it’s simmering. Stir well and cook until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in to thicken it naturally.
