Thereβs something magical about cream of mushroom soup recipes that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Think rich, velvety textures that hug your taste buds like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. The earthy aroma wafting through the kitchen will draw everyone in like moths to a flame, promising a comforting bowl of goodness that can transform any dreary day into a culinary celebration.
Picture this: a cold winter night, snow gently falling outside while you curl up with a steaming bowl of this delightful concoction. Itβs the kind of dish that reminds you of family gatherings where laughter fills the air, and every spoonful is a little reminder that home is where the heart (and delicious food) is. You wonβt just be eating; youβll be diving into memories with each mouthful, creating new ones as you share this recipe with friends and family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy soup is quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- Its rich flavor combines earthy mushrooms with savory herbs, making it an irresistible choice
- The vibrant color invites everyone to dig in, while its versatility allows for endless variations, from adding proteins to serving over rice or pasta
I vividly remember the first time I made cream of mushroom soup; my kids were skeptical but ended up asking for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Mushrooms: Opt for button or cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor; always wash them gently to maintain their texture.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely for even cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves lend incredible aroma; use three or four cloves for a punchy kick.
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Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavors without adding extra salt; it creates a lovely base for sautΓ©ing.
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Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium vegetable broth keeps the soup balanced without overpowering the other flavors; homemade is best if you have it.
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Heavy Cream: For that dreamy texture, heavy cream adds richness; feel free to substitute with half-and-half if you prefer lighter fare.
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Dried Thyme: A touch of thyme elevates the earthiness of the mushrooms; use fresh if available for more depth.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; adjust according to your preference at the end.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Gather your ingredients because weβre diving into the joy of cooking!
SautΓ©ing Aromatics: Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic and sautΓ© until golden brownβthis will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Cooking Mushrooms: Now add sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir occasionally until they soften and release their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. You want them browned slightly to enhance their flavor.
Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in vegetable broth along with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing those flavors to mingle beautifully.
Pureeing the Soup: Remove from heat once cooked through. Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring batches into a blender), puree until smooth and creamyβdonβt forget to keep some chunks if you enjoy texture!
Finishing Touches: Stir in heavy cream gradually until fully combined. Heat through briefly but avoid boiling againβthis way, youβll keep that luscious consistency intact.
Serve hot with crusty bread or drizzle with truffle oil for an extra touch of luxury!
Now you are set to impress friends and family alike with this delightful cream of mushroom soup recipe! Enjoy every spoonful as laughter fills your home once more!
You Must Know
- Cream of mushroom soup recipes are not just comforting; they open a world of possibilities
- You can enjoy this velvety soup on its own or as a base for casseroles and pasta dishes
- The aroma of sautΓ©ed mushrooms will make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautΓ©ing onions and garlic for flavor, then add mushrooms until golden before simmering with broth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or add herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For creamy perfection, use freshly sautΓ©ed mushrooms as they enhance flavor
- Avoid overcooking; this keeps mushrooms tender and prevents them from becoming rubbery
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; this elevates the dish significantly
Sharing my first attempt at cream of mushroom soup is unforgettable; my friends devoured it, asking if I had secretly trained with a chef!
FAQ
What types of mushrooms work best in cream of mushroom soup recipes?
Button mushrooms, cremini, and shiitake add diverse flavors and textures to your soup.
Can I make cream of mushroom soup recipes vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk for a vegan delight.
How do I thicken my cream of mushroom soup?
Use cornstarch slurry or blend some cooked soup until smooth for natural thickening.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Cream of Mushroom Soup is a comforting classic that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its rich, velvety texture and earthy aroma, this delightful soup transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to your taste. Enjoy a bowl of creamy goodness that not only satisfies your palate but also creates lasting memories with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, cooking until translucent. Stir in garlic and sautΓ© until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly browned.
- Pour in vegetable broth, add thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth, retaining some texture if desired.
- Gradually stir in heavy cream; heat through without boiling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Enhance flavor by adding herbs like rosemary or parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days; reheat gently.