Savory Indulgence Creamy Mushroom Soup

During the chilly winter months, there's nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of creamy soup, and this Mushroom Soup is a standout favorite. With its velvety texture and rich flavor, it's the epitome of cozy comfort food. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. Pair it with some crusty bread or crackers to soak up every last drop of that savory broth – trust me, it's absolutely divine.

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Soup

This Creamy Mushroom Soup is a testament to simplicity, featuring just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. Here's what you'll need:

• Mushrooms Opt for baby bella mushrooms for their deep color and robust flavor. While white button mushrooms can be used, they won't impart as much depth to the soup.
• Olive Oil Used for sautéing the mushrooms to achieve a rich, golden brown color and enhance their flavor.
• Garlic Adds a delightful depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the mushrooms.
• Butter Contributes richness to the soup and forms the base of the roux, which helps thicken the broth.
• Flour Combined with butter to create a roux, providing thickness and body to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth Serves as the flavorful base of the soup, imparting complexity and depth of flavor. Mushroom broth can also be used for an extra mushroomy kick.
• Heavy Cream Adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the soup.
• Seasonings Simple yet essential seasonings include salt, pepper, thyme, and soy sauce, which lends a savory umami flavor that complements the mushrooms beautifully.

Optional Additions

Want to customize your Mushroom Soup? Here are a few additional ingredients you can incorporate:

• Paprika For a hint of sweetness and depth reminiscent of Hungarian Mushroom Soup.
• Onion Sauté finely diced onion with the mushrooms to add another layer of savory flavor.
• Sour Cream Stir in dollops of sour cream at the end for added richness and a subtle tanginess.
• Homemade Croutons Top your soup with homemade croutons for a delightful crunch and garlicky flavor.

Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or served as a starter at your next dinner party, this Creamy Mushroom Soup is sure to impress with its rich, velvety texture and irresistible flavor profile.

Vegan Delight: Creamy Mushroom Soup

Converting this recipe to a vegan version is a breeze and yields equally delicious results. Simply swap out the butter for coconut oil to create the roux, and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. For inspiration on how well these flavors complement each other, check out our Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen.

What to Serve with Vegan Mushroom Soup

With its rich and creamy broth, this vegan mushroom soup begs to be savored with some hearty accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread such as our No-Knead Bread, Focaccia Rolls, or Soda Bread. If homemade bread isn't on the menu, crackers make an excellent alternative for soaking up every last drop of that luscious broth.

To balance out the richness of the soup, add some roasted vegetables on the side. Wintery options like Roasted Brussels Sprouts or our Roasted Cauliflower Salad complement the soup perfectly, adding a touch of freshness and texture to the meal.

Enhancing the Flavor of Mushroom Soup

To elevate the flavor of your mushroom soup, start with high-quality, full-flavored broth. We recommend using Better Than Bouillon for its robust flavor profile, affordability, and reduced waste compared to boxed or canned broths. Opt for their vegetable-flavored bouillon, or if available, their mushroom flavor for an extra punch of mushroom goodness.

By incorporating these simple tweaks and serving suggestions, you can create a vegan mushroom soup that's bursting with flavor, richness, and warmth – perfect for satisfying your cravings on a chilly day.

Rich and Creamy Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms ($4.59)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced ($0.24)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ($0.16)
• Pinch of salt & pepper ($0.05)
• 4 tablespoons butter ($0.47)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ($0.04)
• 3 cups vegetable broth ($0.51)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce ($0.02)
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme ($0.02)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream ($0.75)

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the mushrooms thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic cloves.
2. In a soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms until they release all their moisture, the liquid evaporates, and the mushrooms turn very dark brown.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue sautéing for an additional minute.
4. Incorporate the butter and flour into the pot. Stir and cook for about two minutes, until the butter coats the bottom of the pot and turns a deep golden brown.
5. Once the flour mixture is lightly browned, pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir well to dissolve all the flour from the bottom of the pot. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, thickening slightly due to the flour.
6. Finish the soup by stirring in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper according to your preference.
7. Serve the mushroom soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping and enjoying!

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 299 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Sodium: 904 mg
• Fiber: 1 g

Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors of this delicious mushroom soup!