Rich Earthy Mushroom Soup

Mushroom Soup is a rich, earthy soup brimming with umami flavors, perfect for cozy comfort on chilly days. This European-style dish is simple to prepare and yields four servings, making it an excellent vegetarian option for a warm, satisfying meal.

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The combination of fresh cremini, button, and shiitake mushrooms creates a complex flavor profile. When sautéed with onions, carrots, and celery, the ingredients transform into a velvety base that is both fragrant and deeply savory.

Ingredients

• Vegetables & Mushrooms: 500 g mixed fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, shiitake), cleaned and sliced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced; 1 celery stalk, diced.
• Dairy & Liquids: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 L (4 cups) vegetable broth; 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream; 2 tbsp dry sherry (optional).
• Herbs & Seasonings: ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves); 1 bay leaf; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish).

Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the onions, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated.

Step 5

Pour in the sherry (if using); let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Add the vegetable broth and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to purée part or all of the soup to desired consistency.

Step 8

Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Heat through without boiling.

Step 9

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare this recipe, you will need a large soup pot, a chef's knife, and a cutting board. An immersion blender is recommended if you prefer a smoother consistency, allowing you to blend the soup directly in the pot.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and cream. You can also add a handful of rehydrated dried porcini mushrooms for an even deeper flavor. Please note that the recipe contains dairy (butter, cream); substitute these as needed for allergies.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this earthy mushroom soup with crusty bread to make it a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir.

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This nutritious soup provides approximately 210 calories, 13 g of fat, 17 g of carbohydrates, and 6 g of protein per serving. It is a wholesome way to enjoy the earthy bounty of fresh mushrooms in a comforting bowl.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use only one type of mushroom?

Yes, you can use any single variety, though mixing cremini, button, and shiitake creates more complex flavor depth and umami richness.

→ How do I make this dairy-free?

Simply substitute plant-based butter and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version.

→ Can I freeze mushroom soup?

Yes, freeze before adding cream. Thaw, reheat gently, then stir in fresh cream when serving to maintain the best texture.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty artisan bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad complement this soup perfectly. It also pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches.

→ How do I enhance the mushroom flavor?

Add rehydrated dried porcini mushrooms or a splash of truffle oil just before serving for an intensified earthy, umami-rich taste.

→ Should I blend the soup completely?

This depends on preference. Blend partially for a creamy base with mushroom chunks, or fully for silky smooth texture throughout.