Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and milk provides a luscious consistency that complements the earthy mushrooms.
- Deep Mushroom Flavor: Using a mix of mushroom varieties enhances the depth and complexity of the soup’s taste.
- Simple and Quick: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this soup is easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms (white, brown, or a mix), sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté until they release their moisture and become tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Pour in Broth: Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Incorporate Dairy and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, additional sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of cream if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to introduce different flavor profiles.
- Mushroom Mix: Incorporate a variety of mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini, or portobello to enhance the soup’s depth.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use vegetable broth, and replace the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a nut-based cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content.
- Reheating: Warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
FAQs
How can I thicken my mushroom soup?
To thicken the soup, you can add a slurry made from mixing equal parts of cornstarch and cold water. Stir this mixture into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use dried mushrooms?
Yes, dried mushrooms can intensify the flavor. Rehydrate them in warm water for about 20 minutes, then chop and add them along with the fresh mushrooms. You can also incorporate the soaking liquid into the broth for added depth.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the broth, are certified gluten-free.
What can I serve alongside mushroom soup?
Pair the soup with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich to create a more substantial meal.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
To prevent curdling, ensure that the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the soup. Also, avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream; instead, let it gently simmer.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. The flavors often deepen when allowed to sit overnight. Reheat gently before serving.
What type of mushrooms work best for this soup?
A combination of white button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms provides a balanced flavor. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a more complex taste.
How can I add a smoky flavor to the soup?
Incorporate a small amount of
Mushroom soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy mushroom soup is rich, velvety, and packed with deep, earthy flavors. Made with fresh mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a luscious blend of cream and broth, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy nights. Serve it as an elegant starter or enjoy it as a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms (white, brown, or a mix), sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics – In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Mushrooms – Stir in the mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and soften (5-7 minutes).
- Add Flour – Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
- Pour in Broth – Gradually add the broth while stirring. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Incorporate Dairy & Seasonings – Reduce heat to low, then stir in cream, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend (Optional) – For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender or blend part of the soup before returning it to the pot.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or extra sautéed mushrooms.
Notes
- For extra flavor: Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or portobello.
- Vegan option: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy.
- Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
