Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g (about 1 lb) fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, or a mix), sliced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients:
Clean and slice the mushrooms. Chop the onion and garlic finely. - Sauté the vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Cook the mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown. - Add the broth and thyme:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors combine. - Blend the soup (optional):
If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. - Add the cream and season:
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like a thicker soup, mix the flour with a little bit of water and stir it in now, allowing the soup to thicken slightly. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Soup:
- Add depth with sherry or white wine: A splash of sherry or white wine after sautéing the mushrooms can elevate the flavor of the soup.
- Vegan Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a vegan-friendly option.
- Texture Preference: For a chunky soup, blend only half of the mixture and leave the rest as is.
This creamy mushroom soup is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold weather or as a starter for a special meal. It’s quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes to make, with fresh ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Enjoy the creamy texture and savory mushroom flavor in every spoonful!