Cream of Mushroom Soup is a rich and comforting classic that’s perfect as a starter or a main course with a side of crusty bread. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious homemade version:
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add the Broth:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend it until smooth, then return it to the pot.
5. Add Cream and Wine:
- Stir in the heavy cream and white wine (if using). Heat the soup until it’s hot but not boiling. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Thicken the Soup (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a slurry by mixing the flour with a bit of water, then stirring it into the soup. Simmer for a few more minutes until the soup thickens.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or croutons.
Tips:
- Mushroom Varieties: Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms for a deeper flavor. Shiitake, portobello, and porcini mushrooms add great depth.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the texture and richness will be slightly different.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
This creamy mushroom soup is both comforting and flavorful, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy!
