This mushroom soup recipe entails sautéing mushrooms with onions and garlic, simmering them in broth and cream until rich and flavorful, and then serving the soup with grilled toast bread for a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
For the Mushroom Soup:
- 500g mushrooms, sliced (you can use any kind you prefer, such as button mushrooms, oyster, cremini, or shiitake)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How To Make This Mushroom Soup Recipe:
- Step 1: Start by preparing your ingredients. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and finely chop 1 medium onion. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling gently, add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté them together until they turn translucent and soft, releasing their fragrant aroma. This should take about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from burning.
- Step 2: While the onions and garlic are cooking, prepare your mushrooms. Clean 1 pound of mushrooms (you can use a mix of different varieties like white button, cremini, and shiitake for depth of flavor) by gently brushing off any dirt with a mushroom brush or wiping them with a damp cloth. Slice the mushrooms thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Step 3: Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir well to coat them in the buttery mixture. Allow the mushrooms to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they start to release their natural juices. This process will intensify their flavor and create a rich base for the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: After about 8–10 minutes, when the mushrooms have become tender and caramelized, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over them. Stir continuously to ensure the flour is evenly distributed and coats the mushrooms. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Step 5: Slowly pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth, stirring constantly as you do so. This will help prevent lumps from forming in the soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Step 6: Once the soup has reached a simmer, let it cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from sticking.
- Step 7: After the soup has simmered and developed its rich flavor, it’s time to add the creamy element. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, which will add a luxurious richness to the soup. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors together.
- Step 8: Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of cream, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or croutons on the side for dipping and enjoy the comforting warmth and savory flavors of homemade mushroom soup.
Serve:
- Ladle the warm mushroom soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the soup alongside the homemade crackers.
- Enjoy your delicious mushroom soup with crunchy crackers!
How To Make It Even Better
To make your creamy mushroom soup even better, start by using a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and portobello to enhance the depth of flavor.
Sauté the mushrooms properly by cooking them in batches over medium-high heat, ensuring they brown nicely without steaming. Adding aromatics such as garlic, shallots, and fresh thyme will give your soup added layers of flavor.
Next, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or sherry to lift the browned bits, adding richness to your soup.
Incorporate umami boosters like a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory notes. Opt for quality broth, preferably homemade or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, to control the saltiness and improve the overall taste.
For the perfect texture, blend only half of the soup, leaving some mushroom chunks for a satisfying bite. Finish with heavy cream and a pat of butter at the end for a luxuriously creamy finish.
Garnish creatively with fresh herbs, a drizzle of truffle oil, or crispy fried onions to elevate the presentation and flavor. Finally, serve your soup with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete, comforting meal.
What Are The Best Mushrooms For Soup?
When it comes to making mushroom soup, you have plenty of options to choose from. White button mushrooms are a classic choice, known for their mild flavor and creamy texture.
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, offer a slightly deeper taste that adds richness to your soup. On the other side, Shiitake mushrooms bring in a distinct umami flavor and a meaty texture, perfect for enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
If you’re looking for something more intense, consider using porcini mushrooms, either fresh or dried, to create a flavorful broth base.
Common Mistakes People Make
One common mistake people make when making this mushroom soup recipe is not properly cleaning the mushrooms. Mushrooms are like sponges and can absorb water easily, so washing them under running water can make them soggy.
Instead, it’s best to gently brush off any dirt with a mushroom brush or a damp cloth. Another mistake is overcrowding the pan when sautéing mushrooms.
If the pan is too crowded, the mushrooms will steam rather than brown, resulting in a lack of flavour and texture. It’s better to cook them in batches if needed or use a larger pan to ensure they have enough space to brown evenly.
Also, some people make the mistake of not properly seasoning the soup. Mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavour that can benefit from the right balance of salt and pepper. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
