Indulge in the rich and velvety flavors of this Creamy Mushroom Soup, a perfect comfort food for any season. Combining a variety of mushrooms with a luscious cream base, this soup is both hearty and elegant. Whether you’re preparing a cozy meal for yourself or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to delight with its deep umami notes and smooth texture. Easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a must-try for mushroom lovers and soup enthusiasts alike.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- Mushrooms:
- 500g (about 4 cups) mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, button, and shiitake), sliced
- Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9g)
- Liquids:
- 4 cups (960ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- Thickening Agent:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
- Fats:
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- A drizzle of truffle oil
- Crusty bread for serving
Directions:
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the mushrooms from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Flour:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the dried thyme and rosemary, mixing well to incorporate the herbs into the roux.
- Combine Liquids and Mushrooms:
- Gradually pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Return the sautéed mushrooms to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add Cream and Final Seasonings:
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to ensure the cream is fully integrated into the soup.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together.
- Blend the Soup (Optional):
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot, leaving some mushroom pieces intact for texture. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Serve:
- Ladle the creamy mushroom soup into bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of truffle oil, and serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- Add crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Enjoy alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty sandwich for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a variety of mushrooms to enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.
- Ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly sautéed to develop a rich, umami flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth for a thinner consistency or reducing the liquid for a thicker texture.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Mushrooms are low in calories but high in vitamins D and B, selenium, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation.
- Onions and Garlic provide anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote heart health.
- Heavy Cream adds a source of calcium and healthy fats, contributing to bone strength and energy.
- Olive Oil and Butter offer healthy monounsaturated and saturated fats, which are essential for overall health.
- Herbs and Spices like thyme and rosemary are packed with antioxidants and have various health-promoting properties.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free: Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or a gluten-free thickening agent.
- Dairy: Contains dairy from the butter and heavy cream; can be made dairy-free with substitutes.
- Nut-Free: Naturally nut-free.
- Low-Carb: Not low-carb due to the flour and cream; can be adjusted by using low-carb alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating Tips: If the soup becomes too thick upon reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of various mushrooms and herbs creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it’s a healthy addition to any meal.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.
- Comforting: Perfect for warming up on a cold day or enjoying as a cozy meal anytime.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this soup accessible for all skill levels.
Conclusion:
Creamy Mushroom Soup is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its rich, velvety texture and robust flavors make it a standout dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling content. Embrace the delicious simplicity of mushrooms combined with creamy goodness and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use different types of mushrooms for this soup?
- Yes, using a variety of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, portobello, and button mushrooms will enhance the depth of flavor.
- Can I make this soup vegan?
- Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegan butter.
- How can I thicken the soup without using flour?
- You can use cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) or blend more of the cooked vegetables to achieve a thicker consistency.
- Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
- Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach can increase the nutritional value and add more flavor.
- Is it necessary to blend the soup for a creamy texture?
- No, blending is optional. You can leave it chunky if you prefer more texture.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
- Yes, chicken broth will add a richer flavor to the soup, but vegetable broth works well too for a vegetarian option.
- How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the soup up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- What can I serve with this creamy mushroom soup?
- It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, a fresh green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.