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:
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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.
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Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 10 minutes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!