Imagine a soup so rich, so decadent, that it transports you to a cozy woodland cabin with just one spoonful. This Wild Mushroom Soup with Port is not just a recipe; it's a luxurious experience that combines earthy wild mushrooms, deep port wine, and velvety cream into a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Perfect for elegant dinner parties or a soul-warming weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups wild mushrooms, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup port wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Clean the wild mushrooms carefully by gently brushing off any dirt with a soft brush or damp paper towel. Chop the mushrooms into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 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 chopped wild mushrooms to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes, allowing them to release their moisture and develop a deep, rich color and concentrated flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and port wine, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and luxurious texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the soup is 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 warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Mushroom Selection: Choose a variety of wild mushrooms like shiitake, porcini, or chanterelles for complex flavor profiles.
- Cleaning Technique: Always clean mushrooms gently to preserve their delicate texture. Use a soft brush or damp paper towel instead of washing them directly.
- Flavor Layering: Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop a deep, sweet base for your soup.
- Wine Matters: Use a quality port wine - the better the wine, the more nuanced your soup's flavor will be.
- Cream Control: Add cream slowly and at a low temperature to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
- Garnish Game: Fresh parsley isn't just decoration - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich soup.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty artisan bread or a small cheese crostini for the ultimate dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
