Introduction

Cream of mushroom soup is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or used as a base for various casseroles and sauces, this rich and creamy soup is sure to delight your taste buds. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making your very own cream of mushroom soup, complete with detailed ingredients and preparation steps.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Mushrooms – 16 oz (sliced)
Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped)
Garlic – 2 cloves (minced)
Butter – 4 tablespoons
Flour – ¼ cup
Vegetable broth – 4 cups
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Thyme – 1 teaspoon (dried)
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste
Parsley – for garnish

Prep Time

The preparation time for this delicious cream of mushroom soup is approximately 10 minutes. This allows you to chop the vegetables and measure the ingredients, setting you up for a smooth cooking process.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time for the soup is around 20 minutes, making the total time for this recipe 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, perfect for sharing with family or saving for later.

Enjoy your rich and creamy mushroom soup, and feel free to experiment with ingredients to suit your personal taste!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Slice them into thin pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir occasionally, cooking until they are golden brown and have released their moisture.

Step 4: Create the Base

Sprinkle flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir to combine, ensuring the flour is fully absorbed. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Add the Liquid

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth gradually, stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Incorporate Cream

Stir in heavy cream and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if needed.

Step 7: Seasoning

Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Adjust to your preference.

Step 8: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. If using a standard blender, allow it to cool slightly before blending in batches.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional mushrooms if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to use a mix of different mushroom types for added flavor, such as cremini, shiitake, and portobello.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

This soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with warm crusty bread or croutons for a complete meal. Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can enhance the flavor.

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat. In soup recipes, this method is often used to enhance the flavor of ingredients like onions and mushrooms before adding liquids.

Deglazing

Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a pan to loosen and dissolve the browned bits of food stuck to the bottom. This technique adds depth of flavor to soups and sauces.

Simmering

Simmering involves cooking food gently over low to medium heat, allowing flavors to meld together without boiling. This technique is essential for ensuring that delicate ingredients maintain their structure and taste.

Blending

Blending soups can create a smooth and creamy texture. Using an immersion blender or a traditional blender allows for the combination of ingredients into a uniform consistency.

Thickening

Thickening agents, like flour or cream, are used to enhance the soup’s body. This technique can transform a broth-like soup into a rich and hearty meal.

Garnishing

Garnishing is the final touch to elevate a dish visually and enhance its flavor. With soups, toppings like fresh herbs, croutons, or a drizzle of cream can make a significant difference.

FAQ

What types of mushrooms can I use in cream of mushroom soup?

You can use a variety of mushrooms including button, cremini, shiitake, and portobello, or even a mix for more complex flavors.

Can I make cream of mushroom soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup while keeping it gluten-free.

How can I store leftover cream of mushroom soup?

Leftover soup should be cooled to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Can I add other vegetables to my cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely! You can incorporate vegetables such as carrots, celery, or even spinach to enhance the nutrition and flavor of your soup.

Is it possible to make cream of mushroom soup vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based cream alternatives and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

Cream of mushroom soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re using it as a base for sauces, a comforting soup on its own, or incorporating it into casseroles, its rich flavor makes it a staple in many kitchens. Experimenting with different types of mushrooms and seasonings can elevate the dish and bring new life to classic recipes.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

A delicious way to enjoy the flavors of cream of mushroom soup is to incorporate it into a creamy mushroom risotto, adding depth and richness to the dish.

Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

Combine cooked pasta with cream of mushroom soup, sautéed spinach, and your choice of protein for a quick and satisfying meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Use cream of mushroom soup as a binding agent for rice, ground meat, and vegetables when stuffing bell peppers, adding flavor and moisture to the filling.

Mushroom Soup Casserole

Mix cream of mushroom soup with vegetables and your choice of protein, top with breadcrumbs or cheese, and bake for a hearty casserole.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Incorporate cream of mushroom soup as a key ingredient in green bean casserole for that creamy texture and savory taste, perfect for holiday meals.

Savory Mushroom Quiche

Add cream of mushroom soup to a quiche mixture with eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables for a rich and flavorful dish, ideal for brunch.