Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe: A Cozy, Comforting Classic
I still remember the first time I had creamy mushroom soup. It was love at first spoonful. The rich texture and deep mushroom flavor hooked me. Making this soup from scratch was easier than I thought.
With a simple recipe, I could make a homemade soup that's easy and nutritious. Here, I'll share my favorite easy recipe for creamy mushroom soup. It's perfect for a comforting meal.
Exploring homemade soup, I found a great cream of mushroom soup recipe. It uses fresh ingredients and simple techniques. With butter, fresh mushrooms, and heavy cream, you can make a delicious soup easily.
This recipe is great for busy people or parents looking for a quick meal. It will undoubtedly become a family favorite.
The Magic of Homemade Mushroom Soup
Exploring homemade mushroom soup is exciting. It lets you control what goes into it. This means using only the freshest mushrooms. It boosts flavor and health benefits.
Fresh mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and may boost your immune system. Using them in your soup makes it tasty and good for you. The history of cream of mushroom soup is interesting. It started in ancient Europe, where mushrooms were common in soups.
- Control over ingredients and freshness
- Ability to customize flavor and texture
- Potential health benefits associated with fresh mushrooms
Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfect Soup
To make a delicious mushroom soup, you need the right kitchen tools. A large pot is key for sautéing mushrooms and onions, and for simmering the soup. Also, a blender or food processor is needed to puree the soup and get that creamy texture.
Other essential equipment includes a strainer for removing solids and a whisk for mixing. Having the right kitchen tools greatly improves the quality of your soup. With these essential equipment pieces, your mushroom soup will always be delicious and creamy.
Choosing the Best Mushrooms
Fresh vs Dried Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms add a burst of flavor and texture to your soup. Dried mushrooms, however, concentrate the flavor. You can use one or both, depending on what you like. Some popular types include:
- Cremini mushrooms: mild flavor and soft texture
- Shiitake mushrooms: rich, earthy flavor and firm texture
- Oyster mushrooms: delicate, buttery flavor and soft texture
Popular Mushroom Varieties
There are many mushroom types you can use in your soup. Some favorites include:
- Chanterelle mushrooms: fruity, apricot-like flavor and firm texture
- Porcini mushrooms: nutty, earthy flavor and soft texture
- Enoki mushrooms: delicate, crunchy texture and mild flavor
The Secret to Achieving Perfect Creaminess
To get the perfect creaminess in your mushroom soup, knowing about soup texture is key. A great creamy soup feels smooth and velvety like it hugs your tongue. You can mix heavy cream or half-and-half to get the right feel.
Here are some tips for the perfect creaminess:
- Blend heavy cream and half-and-half for richness and depth.
- Change the soup's thickness by adding more or less cream.
- Make a roux to thicken and add creaminess.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for tangy flavor and creaminess.
- Butter or cream for extra richness and depth.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancement Tips
Here are some herbs and spices that go well with mushroom soup:
- Thyme: pairs well with earthy mushrooms like porcini
- Rosemary: complements the flavor of creamy soups
- Parsley: adds a fresh, bright flavor
- Black pepper: adds depth and warmth
- Paprika: adds a smoky flavor
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the soup, follow these steps:
- Let the soup cool completely to prevent the formation of ice crystals.
- Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
| Storage Method | Storage Time | Reheating Method |
| Fridge | Up to 3-4 days | Stovetop, Microwave, Oven |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Stovetop, Microwave, Oven |
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Here are some serving suggestions to make your soup look great:
- Swirl in some cream or creme fraîche for richness and texture
- Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
- Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a nice crunch
- Add sautéed mushroom slices on top for extra flavor and texture
Last Word
As we end our creamy mushroom soup journey, I'm filled with joy. Making this homemade dish is truly rewarding. We've learned how to pick the best mushrooms and make the soup creamy.
This Cream of Mushroom Soup fits many diets, like low-carb, gluten-free, or paleo. It has only 17g of net carbs per serving. It's both tasty and healthy.
Feel free to make your own changes to the recipe. Try different garnishes or seasonings. You can even add more mushrooms. It's great for meal prep or a quick dinner in any season.
Let's enjoy this creamy delight together. Bon appétit!
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There's something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a dish that feels like a warm embrace. This cream of mushroom soup recipe is one of those recipes that turns everyday mushrooms into a luxurious, silky delight. It's a classic comfort food, perfect for when you need a little extra warmth and nourishment.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g (about 1 lb) fresh mushrooms (such as cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, carefully melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes, or until tender and transparent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Cook the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Make the Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat.
- Cook for two to three minutes to remove the flavor of the uncooked flour.
- Add the Broth
- Slowly pour in the broth, stirring frequently to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for approximately 15 minutes to let the flavors to combine.
- Blend the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only a portion of the soup.
- Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add Cream and Seasonings
- Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk and season with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using).
- Heat the soup gently until warmed through, but do not let it boil.
- Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 17g6%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.