Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), cleaned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Variations
- 1 cup coconut milk or cashew cream (for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (for umami boost)
- Additional herbs: rosemary, sage, or dill
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for a spicy kick)
- Extra mushrooms reserved for chunky texture
Instructions
- Prepare Your Mushrooms and Aromatics: Clean and slice the mushrooms evenly. Heat butter or olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then sauté mushrooms with finely chopped onions and minced garlic until golden and fragrant, releasing their deep flavor.
- Create the Roux for Creaminess: Sprinkle flour or cornstarch over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour and start thickening the base without a raw flour taste.
- Slowly Add Broth While Stirring: Gradually pour in vegetable or chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to build a smooth and flavorful soup base.
- Blend or Leave Chunky: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your preferred smoothness or leave some reserved mushrooms added now for a chunky texture.
- Stir in Cream and Season: Add cream or milk, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Heat gently on low to meld flavors without boiling, ensuring a velvety finish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a variety of mushrooms to enhance complexity and richness in flavor.
- Don’t skip browning the mushrooms for deeper umami taste.
- Simmer the soup gently; avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth and prevent curdling.
- Add fresh herbs near the end to preserve their aroma and color.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth to thin or more flour mixture to thicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be Gluten Free (if using cornstarch), Dairy Free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Mushroom Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe, Dairy-Free Soup, Vegan Mushroom Soup Variation, Umami Soup