Description
Hearty Creamy Mushroom Soup promises comfort in each spoonful, blending earthy woodland flavors with silky smoothness. Forest-fresh mushrooms and rich cream invite you to savor a warm culinary embrace that feels like a gentle hug from nature.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) mushrooms (such as cremini, button, or portobello, sliced)
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fat and Thickening Agents:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Optional: a splash of white wine or sherry
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and thyme, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms, cooking for 8-10 minutes until they caramelize and release their natural moisture, developing rich, deep flavors.
- Optional: Deglaze the pot with white wine or sherry, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Dust flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring thoroughly to eliminate raw flour taste and create a subtle thickening agent for the soup.
- Pour in vegetable or chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a standard blender, creating a smooth consistency while maintaining some mushroom chunks for rustic appeal.
- Introduce heavy cream, stirring and heating for 3-5 minutes until the soup reaches a luxurious, velvety temperature.
- Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve perfect flavor balance.
- For enhanced depth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of miso paste to amplify the umami profile.
- Serve piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerating for 3-4 days or freezing up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Enhance mushroom flavor by using a mix of wild and cultivated mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster for complex taste profiles.
- Deepen umami notes by sautéing mushrooms at high heat to develop rich caramelization and intensify natural earthy characteristics.
- Create dairy-free version by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, maintaining silky texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Elevate presentation and nutrition by garnishing with toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy sage leaves, or a drizzle of truffle oil for gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg