Creamy Mushroom Soup: A Simple, Delicious Recipe
This creamy mushroom soup recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a rich, flavorful bowl of comfort food. It's perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch, and is easily adaptable to your taste preferences. This recipe focuses on using fresh mushrooms for the best flavor, but you can certainly substitute with canned mushrooms in a pinch.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or a mix are all great!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Crusty bread (for serving, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory mushroom flavor.
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Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken the soup.
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Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Stir in the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and heat through. Do not boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the creamy mushroom soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Soup:
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Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from browning properly and releasing their moisture. Work in batches if necessary.
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Use fresh mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms have a much more intense flavor than canned mushrooms. If using canned mushrooms, drain them well before adding them to the soup.
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Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or thyme.
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Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as carrots, celery, or spinach.
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Make it a meal: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or even leftover roast beef for a heartier soup.
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This recipe provides a delicious and easy-to-make creamy mushroom soup. The step-by-step instructions and tips will help you achieve a perfect, comforting bowl every time. Enjoy!
