Mushroom cream soup

Mushroom cream soup is a rich, savory, and comforting dish perfect for chilly days or when you need something soothing. The combination of mushrooms, cream, and aromatic vegetables makes for a delicious and satisfying soup. Here’s a straightforward recipe for a creamy mushroom soup:

Mushroom Cream Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Mushrooms: 1 pound (450 grams), sliced (cremini, button, or a mix)
  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Carrot: 1 large, peeled and diced
  • Celery: 2 stalks, diced
  • Butter or olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Vegetable or chicken broth: 4 cups
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Flour: 2 tablespoons (for thickening)
  • Thyme: 1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:

    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Cook the Mushrooms:

    • Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add Flour (Optional):

    • Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes. This step helps thicken the soup.
  4. Add Broth and Seasonings:

    • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Blend the Soup:

    • Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth and return to the pot.
  6. Add Cream and Adjust Seasonings:

    • Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup heat through. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve:

    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips:

  • For Extra Flavor: You can add a splash of sherry or white wine when cooking the mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
  • For a Thicker Soup: You can add more flour or use a potato to thicken the soup if preferred.

This creamy mushroom soup is perfect for a cozy meal and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Enjoy!