A Delicious and Comforting Delight!
Creamy mushroom soup is the perfect blend of rich flavors, hearty textures, and comforting warmth. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as the star of a cozy meal, this recipe brings out the best in every ingredient. With its deep umami flavor and velvety texture, this soup is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this creamy mushroom soup.
Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Mushroom Soup
To create the most flavorful mushroom soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs baby bella mushrooms (cremini), sliced
- 2 1/2 cups yellow onions, finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into portions
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2/3 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 parmesan rind (3-4 inches long)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Optional Garnishes
- Grated parmesan
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Mushrooms
Begin by heating 4 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms along with two generous pinches of salt. Stir to coat the mushrooms evenly with butter.
Cook the mushrooms for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, they will release their liquids, which will then evaporate. As the mushrooms cook, they will develop a deep, golden-brown color. Towards the end of cooking, stir more frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
2. Add Onions and Garlic
Once the mushrooms are beautifully caramelized, add the chopped onions to the pot. Stir and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the onions to soften slightly. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Incorporate Flour and Deglaze with Wine
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot and allow it to melt completely. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This step ensures the flour is cooked through and prevents a raw taste in the soup.
Pour in the dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits, known as fond, add incredible depth of flavor to the soup.
4. Add Broth and Aromatics
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth base. Add the parmesan rind and fresh thyme leaves, which will infuse the soup with subtle, aromatic notes.
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor development.
5. Blend and Adjust the Consistency
Once the soup has simmered, remove the parmesan rind and use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. For a silkier texture, blend it until completely smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, leave some pieces of mushroom intact.
If you desire a thicker soup, mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
6. Add Cream and Lemon Juice
Stir in the heavy cream, which gives the soup its signature velvety texture. Finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the creamy mushroom soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings. Grated parmesan, sautéed mushrooms, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley add both flavor and visual appeal. Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Soup
- Choose Quality Mushrooms: Baby bella mushrooms (cremini) are ideal for their earthy flavor, but you can mix in other varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for added depth.
- Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Cooking the mushrooms slowly allows their natural flavors to intensify. This step is crucial for achieving a rich, umami-packed soup.
- Use a Good White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the soup’s flavor with its acidity and fruity undertones.
- Blend with Care: An immersion blender offers the most control, but a countertop blender works well too. If using the latter, blend in batches to avoid overfilling.
- Customize the Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the soup to your liking by adding more broth or using cornstarch for extra thickening.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Soup
This soup is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together in a dish that is both elegant and comforting. Whether served on a chilly evening or as part of a festive meal, its robust flavors and creamy texture make it a standout recipe.