Cream of Mushroom Soup: Comforting and Rich with a Hint of Fresh Herbs
Cream of Mushroom Soup is a classic comfort food that delivers a rich, earthy flavor in every spoonful. Made with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a hint of garlic, this soup is thickened to perfection and enhanced with a splash of heavy cream. The result is a velvety, creamy soup with subtle herbal notes from thyme and a touch of warmth from freshly ground black pepper.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms button, cremini, or a mix, sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup, leaving some mushroom chunks for texture if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Mushroom Variety: Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, button, and shiitake for a richer flavor.
- Thickening Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.