This cream of mushroom soup is a cozy classic prepared from scratch with fresh shiitake and crimini mushrooms, a hint of sherry, plus cream and fresh thyme. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, this soup is rich, flavorful, and easy to make.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 290 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms, finely chopped (shiitake and crimini recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the chopped mushrooms and thyme to the pot. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and have released their juices, about 10 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only part of the soup and leave some mushroom pieces whole.
- Add the Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through without boiling. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery roll.
- Pair with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
Cooking Tips:
- For a deeper flavor, try sautéing the mushrooms with a splash of sherry before adding the broth.
- Use a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, crimini, and button mushrooms to enhance the flavor profile.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to puree.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants and provide vitamins D and B.
- Onions and Garlic: Support immune health with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the soup.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Made with vegetable broth and no meat products.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, as long as the vegetable broth used is gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Suitable for a low-carb diet due to the low carbohydrate content in mushrooms and other ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The perfect blend of savory mushrooms and creamy broth.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Comforting: A warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for cold days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use other types of mushrooms?
- Yes, you can use any combination of mushrooms you like, such as portobello, button, or oyster mushrooms.
- Can I make this soup dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, you can freeze the soup (before adding the cream) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then stir in the cream before serving.
- What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
- You can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender or food processor to puree.
- Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, kale, or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Is it possible to use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
- Yes, rehydrate dried mushrooms in warm water, then chop and add to the soup. The soaking liquid can be added to the broth for extra flavor.
- How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
- If the soup is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered to reduce or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
- Yes, chicken broth can be used if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
- You can use half-and-half, milk, or a plant-based milk alternative for a lighter soup.