Creamy Mushroom Soup
Creamy mushroom soup is a rich and velvety classic comfort food that blends earthy mushrooms with smooth cream and savory herbs. Perfect as a warming starter, hearty lunch, or cozy dinner, this soup offers nourishing flavors with simple ingredients and versatile customization options.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Mushroom Base
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms (cremini, white button, or a mix), sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Thickeners
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release moisture and turn golden brown, enhancing flavor.
- Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly to cook out the raw taste. Slowly pour in the broth while stirring, forming a smooth base that thickens as it heats.
- Simmer and Season: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Let cook for about 15 minutes to develop deep flavors.
- Blend to Perfection: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or leave slightly chunky for texture.
- Stir in Cream and Adjust: Lower heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Warm through without boiling to prevent curdling.
Notes
- Choose fresh mushrooms for best texture and flavor; avoid pre-sliced ones that may be soggy.
- Let mushrooms brown well to maximize umami flavor.
- Flour is optional but helps thicken the soup without heavy thickeners.
- Blend according to your preferred texture: fully smooth or slightly chunky.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to balance the flavors perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: creamy mushroom soup, mushroom soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, vegetarian soup