Mushroom soup recipe

Creamy mushroom soup is a rich and comforting dish that embodies the essence of earthy flavors and velvety textures. This recipe, inspired by traditional European cuisine, combines the deep, savory taste of mushrooms with the luxurious creaminess of heavy cream. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic sets the stage for the tender mushrooms, which are then simmered in a flavorful broth infused with herbs like thyme and parsley. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the heart and soul. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, this creamy mushroom soup is sure to delight both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Ingredients:

• 200 to 250 grams button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms
• ⅓ cup finely chopped onions or 1 small to medium-sized onion
• ½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic or 2 to 3 small to medium-sized garlic
• 1 tejpatta (Indian bay leaf) or bay leaf
• 1 to 2 pinches ground nutmeg powder or grated nutmeg
• 1 cup water or vegetable stock
• 1 cup whole milk – at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons light cream or 3 tablespoons whipping cream or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or coriander leaves (cilantro) or any fresh soft herbs like basil
• Freshly crushed black pepper as required
• Salt as required

Instructions:

1. Prep Ingredients: Measure and set all the ingredients ready for the soup (mise en place). Rinse or wipe dry 200 to 250 grams (about 1 cup) of white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms. Slice off the lower part of the base stalk of each mushroom. Then chop them in halves or quarters, or slice them thin.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they are translucent and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté until they release their moisture and start to brown. This should take about 5 minutes.

4. Add Aromatics and Broth: Add the bay leaf, ground nutmeg powder, water or vegetable stock, and whole milk to the pot. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low to medium-low heat. Let it simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.

6. Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a little water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and continue to simmer for another minute or until the soup has thickened to your liking.

7. Add Cream and Herbs: Stir in the light cream or heavy cream and chopped parsley. Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until the soup is heated through.

8. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and freshly crushed black pepper to taste. Serve the creamy mushroom soup steaming hot, garnished with additional parsley or coriander leaves if desired.

Top Tips:

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or coriander leaves add a bright, fresh flavor to the soup. Use them both in the soup and as garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.

2. Don’t Overcook Mushrooms: Mushrooms can quickly become overcooked and mushy. Stir them frequently while sautéing to ensure they retain their texture.

3. Thicken Gradually: Adding the flour slurry gradually helps prevent lumps from forming in the soup.

4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure it’s balanced and flavorful.

5. Serve Steaming Hot: Serving the soup steaming hot ensures that the flavors are at their best and the cream stays smooth.

6. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like paprika or dried thyme to give the soup an extra layer of flavor.

Variations:

1. White Wine Addition: Add a splash of dry white wine to the soup for an added depth of flavor.

2. Different Herbs: Use different herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a unique flavor profile.

3. Vegetable Stock: Use vegetable stock instead of water for a more robust broth.

4. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist on the classic recipe.

5. Bread Croutons: Add croutons made from bread for a satisfying crunch in the soup.

6. Cheesy Twist: Stir in some grated cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère for an extra rich and creamy soup.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
This creamy mushroom soup is a nutrient-rich meal option. The mushrooms provide a good amount of protein and fiber, while the cream adds a touch of indulgence. For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with low-fat alternatives. Additionally, using vegetable stock instead of water increases the nutritional value of the soup by adding more vitamins and minerals. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs.