Imagine a velvety, rich soup that captures the earthy essence of wild mushrooms, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will transport your taste buds to a woodland paradise. This Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups wild mushrooms, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp thyme
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the wild mushrooms, onion, and mince the garlic. This will ensure a smooth cooking process.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the chopped wild mushrooms to the pot. Cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have released their moisture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and stir in the thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, but be cautious of the hot liquid.
- Once blended, return the soup to low heat and stir in the cream. Allow the soup to warm through for about 5 minutes, but do not let it boil.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, depending on your preference.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a drizzle of additional cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup!
Tips
- Mushroom Selection: Choose a variety of wild mushrooms like porcini, chanterelles, or morels for a more complex flavor profile. Fresh is always best, but high-quality dried mushrooms can work wonderfully too.
- Blending Technique: For the smoothest texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If using a countertop blender, blend in small batches and remove the center lid cap to allow steam to escape, preventing potential splattering.
- Cream Matters: Use heavy cream for a luxurious, rich texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.
- Flavor Enhancement: Toast the thyme slightly in the pot before adding liquid to release its aromatic oils and intensify the herb's flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
