Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Italy with our delightful Italian Mushroom Soup, or Zuppa di Funghi! This creamy, aromatic soup is the perfect antidote to chilly evenings, combining the earthy goodness of mixed mushrooms with the warmth of garlic and onion. In just 45 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your soup game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by thoroughly cleaning the mixed mushrooms. Slice them into uniform pieces, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the pot, increasing the heat to medium-high. Sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and begin to brown, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it's heated through but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with crusty Italian bread or croutons for added texture.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Mushrooms: The flavor of your soup heavily relies on the quality of mushrooms. Opt for a variety of fresh mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms for a depth of flavor.
- Uniform Slicing: Ensure that your mushrooms are sliced evenly to promote uniform cooking. This will help them brown beautifully and enhance the overall texture of your soup.
- Sautéing Technique: When sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure not to rush the process. Allowing them to soften and release their flavors will create a delicious base for your soup.
- Simmer for Flavor: Letting the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t skip this step if you want a deeply flavorful broth!
- Creamy Consistency: For a richer texture, add the heavy cream slowly and stir gently. This will help maintain that luscious creaminess without curdling.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the freshness of the soup. Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve your soup with crusty Italian bread or homemade croutons for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
