A rich, velvety soup made with tender mushrooms and a creamy base, perfect for cozying up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fresh mushrooms (such as button, cremini, or a mix), sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
1. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
1. Add the butter to the pot and stir until melted.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
1. Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
2. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Add Cream
1. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the soup is smooth and creamy.
2. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Blend (Optional)
1. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Step 7: Serve
1. Ladle the creamy mushroom soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Helpful Tips:
– Texture Preference: You can blend the soup completely or leave some mushroom chunks for a more rustic texture.
– Add a Twist: For extra flavor, stir in a splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms, or top with crispy croutons for crunch!
Enjoy this cozy, creamy mushroom soup as a comforting starter or main dish! 🍲