Cream of Mushroom Soup: A Classic Comfort Food
Few recipes are as timeless and beloved as **Cream of Mushroom Soup**. Velvety smooth, rich in flavor, and endlessly versatile, this comforting dish has found its way into kitchens around the world. It can be enjoyed as a cozy appetizer, a light lunch paired with crusty bread, or even used as a base for countless casseroles and sauces.
The beauty of **Cream of Mushroom Soup** lies in its balance of earthiness and creaminess. Fresh mushrooms bring depth and umami, while the cream transforms the soup into something luxuriously smooth. Whether you prepare it for a chilly evening or a holiday feast, this soup is always a welcome dish at the table.
Yield: 4
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- * Wooden spoon
- Ladle for serving
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- * Blender (immersion or countertop)
Materials
- * **2 tbsp unsalted butter** – for sautéing and flavor.
- * **2 tbsp olive oil** – prevents butter from burning.
- * **1 large onion finely chopped**
- * **3 cloves garlic minced**
- * **1 lb 450g mushrooms, sliced** – cremini, button, or a mix of wild mushrooms.
- * **2 tbsp all-purpose flour** – thickens the soup.
- * **4 cups chicken or vegetable broth**
- * **1 cup heavy cream**
- * **1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried**
- * **1 bay leaf**
- * **Salt and pepper to taste**
- * **Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)**
Instructions
### Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, then stir in garlic until fragrant.
### Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and their liquid evaporates. This step deepens the flavor of **Cream of Mushroom Soup**.
### Step 3: Make the Roux
- Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste.
### Step 4: Add the Liquids
- Slowly pour in the broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
### Step 5: Blend (Optional)
- For a silky texture, blend the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a countertop blender. You can also leave some chunks for a rustic style.
### Step 6: Add Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Remove bay leaf. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy hot.
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