Extra Creamy Mushroom Soup: A Velvety Symphony of Earthy Delight

Embark on a culinary journey that indulges your senses with our Extra Creamy Mushroom Soup. This recipe is a celebration of earthy mushrooms enveloped in a luscious, velvety texture that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re a mushroom enthusiast or just seeking comfort in a bowl, this soup is the epitome of richness and flavor. Join us as we delve into the art of creating this Extra Creamy Mushroom Soup, perfect for cozy nights and gatherings alike.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 pound (about 500g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Mushroom Prep:

1. Clean and Slice: Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them into uniform pieces.
2. Sauté Mushrooms: In a large pot, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Set aside a portion for garnish.

Soup Base:

1. Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become translucent.
2. Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes golden.
3. Gradually Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir.
4. Infuse Flavors: Incorporate thyme, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dry sherry if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.

Blend and Garnish:

1. Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer it to a blender in batches.
2. Reintroduce Mushrooms: Add the sautéed mushrooms back into the pureed soup for texture and depth.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Ladle into Bowls: Serve the Extra Creamy Mushroom Soup in bowls, garnishing each portion with the reserved sautéed mushrooms and fresh parsley.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy it with crusty bread, croutons, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Cook Notes

• Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different mushroom varieties to add complexity to the soup. Shiitake mushrooms impart a distinct umami flavor.
• Texture Preference: For a chunkier soup, reserve more sautéed mushrooms and add them to the soup after blending.
• Enhance Umami: A splash of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami profile of the mushrooms.

Variations

Wild Mushroom Extravaganza:

Incorporate wild mushrooms like morels or chanterelles for a gourmet touch.

Truffle Infusion:

Add a few drops of truffle oil before serving for an extravagant aroma and flavor.

Roasted Garlic Magic:

Roast a head of garlic and blend it into the soup for a mellow, sweet undertone.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Creaminess:

Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for the roux. Use heavy cream and full-fat milk for a keto-friendly richness.

Low-Carb Option:

Substitute flour with a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum. Choose a low-carb milk alternative and increase the heavy cream.

Conclusion

In the realm of comforting soups, the Extra Creamy Mushroom Soup reigns supreme, offering a harmonious blend of velvety texture and rich, earthy flavors. Whether enjoyed as a soul-warming meal on a chilly evening or served as an elegant starter at a dinner party, this soup is a testament to the magic that can be created with a humble ingredient like mushrooms. So, venture into your kitchen, embrace the aroma of sautéed mushrooms, and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort. With every spoonful of this Extra Creamy Mushroom Soup, you’ll experience the enchantment of a well-crafted recipe that transforms a handful of mushrooms into a culinary masterpiece