This creamy mushroom soup is rich, comforting, and full of earthy flavors. Made with fresh mushrooms, garlic, and a touch of cream, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy meal. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- A drizzle of cream
- Croutons or toasted bread
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
3. Add the Broth and Seasoning
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
- Add thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Blend the Soup (Optional)
- For a chunky soup, leave it as is.
- For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender and puree in batches.
5. Add Cream and Adjust Thickness
- Stir in the heavy cream (or milk). If you want a thicker consistency, dissolve 1 tbsp of flour in a little cold water and add it to the soup, stirring well. Simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of cream, or croutons.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Vegan: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream, and substitute butter with olive oil.
- Add Protein: Stir in shredded chicken or cooked bacon for a heartier version.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms for extra depth.
This homemade creamy mushroom soup is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day!
