Hanis Zalikha's Creamy Mushroom Soup: A Delicious Recipe to Try
Hanis Zalikha, a prominent figure in the Malaysian entertainment industry, is known not only for her acting and presenting skills but also for her culinary prowess. This blog post delves into one of her popular recipes: a creamy mushroom soup that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. We'll break down the recipe step-by-step, providing tips and tricks to achieve that perfect, restaurant-quality soup at home.
Ingredients You'll Need for Hanis Zalikha's Mushroom Soup
This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, using ingredients readily available at most supermarkets. You'll need:
- Mushrooms: The star of the show! Choose a variety of mushrooms for a deeper, richer flavor. Cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms work wonderfully. Aim for about 500 grams in total.
- Butter: A good quality butter will enhance the flavor of the soup significantly. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the final dish. About 4 tablespoons should suffice.
- Onions: One medium-sized onion, finely chopped, forms the base of your flavorful soup.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced, will add a pungent aroma and flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Use a good quality low-sodium vegetable broth for the best results. Approximately 4 cups should be enough.
- Heavy Cream: This is key to achieving that luxurious, creamy texture. Use at least 1 cup for the desired consistency.
- Fresh Thyme: A sprig or two of fresh thyme will add an earthy, herbaceous note. Dried thyme can be substituted, but use less (about ½ teaspoon).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
- Optional: A splash of white wine for extra depth of flavour. A tablespoon or two is perfect.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Hanis Zalikha's Style Mushroom Soup
Now, let's get cooking! Here's how to make this delightful soup:
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cooking the Mushrooms
Add your mixed mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using white wine, add it now and let it reduce slightly.
Step 3: Simmering the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the fresh thyme sprig (or dried thyme). Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Blending for Creaminess
Carefully remove the thyme sprig. Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring the soup to a regular blender), blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, vent the lid to prevent pressure build-up.
Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches
Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Serve your delicious mushroom soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a swirl of extra cream. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations for a Perfect Bowl
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of different types of mushrooms.
- For a thicker soup: Use less broth or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) at the end.
- For a vegan option: Substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- For extra indulgence: Top with toasted croutons or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (for non-vegan versions).
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Experiment and find your perfect version of Hanis Zalikha's creamy mushroom soup! Enjoy the cooking process and savor the delicious results. Remember to share your creations with us! Use the hashtag #HanisZalikhaMushroomSoup to share your photos and experiences.
