Cream of Mushroom Soup

Why you will love this recipe

Cream of Mushroom Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. This soup is not only delicious but also budget-friendly, letting you enjoy a gourmet taste without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, making it kid-approved and loved by all ages.

How to make Cream of Mushroom Soup

Step-by-step overview

Making Cream of Mushroom Soup is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Here’s how you can prepare this flavorful soup in just a few simple steps:

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, then sauté until they are translucent.
  2. Cook the mushrooms: Next, add sliced shiitake and crimini mushrooms. Cook them until they are softened.
  3. Add sherry: Pour in the sherry and let it cook until it evaporates. This step adds a nice depth of flavor.
  4. Add broth and thyme: Then, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in cream: Once the soup is done simmering, stir in the cream. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
  6. Blend the soup: Finally, blend the soup to your desired consistency. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to serve Cream of Mushroom Soup

Serve Cream of Mushroom Soup warm. It pairs wonderfully with crispy bread or a light salad. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or croutons on top for added texture and flavor.

How to store Cream of Mushroom Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months, but make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make Cream of Mushroom Soup

  • Use a mix of fresh mushrooms for a more complex flavor. Shiitake and crimini work great together.
  • Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less cream, or by blending it to your preferred consistency.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure your sherry and broth are certified gluten-free, and skip any added thickeners.

Variation

If you want to add some protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken or turkey toward the end of cooking. For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth and skip the sherry.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried mushrooms! Just rehydrate them in warm water before adding them to your soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cream of Mushroom Soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.

3. How can I make the soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

A quick and easy recipe for a flavorful cream of mushroom soup that's budget-friendly and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

For the soup
  • 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing
  • 1 medium onion, chopped About 1 cup of chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced Fresh shiitake mushrooms
  • 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced Fresh crimini mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup sherry Optional for flavor
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme You can use dried thyme as well
  • 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with coconut milk for a vegan version
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic, then sauté until they are translucent.
  3. Add sliced shiitake and crimini mushrooms, cooking them until they are softened.
  4. Pour in the sherry and let it cook until it evaporates.
  5. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and fresh thyme, bringing the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Blend the soup to your desired consistency.
  9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use a mix of fresh mushrooms for more complex flavors. Adjust thickness of soup by varying cream amount or blending time. For gluten-free, ensure sherry and broth are certified gluten-free.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating