How to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup

Mushrooms are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. They can be used in a variety of dishes and add their unique earthy flavor to any recipe. And one of the best ways to showcase their flavor is with a hearty and comforting bowl of cream of mushroom soup.

Making cream of mushroom soup from scratch might seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have a delicious and creamy soup that is perfect for any occasion. So, let’s dive into the steps on how to make a creamy and delicious cream of mushroom soup in no time.

Ingredients

To make cream of mushroom soup, you will need some basic ingredients that can easily be found in your local grocery store. They are:

1. Mushrooms: The main ingredient of the soup, you can use any variety of mushrooms you prefer.
2. Butter: You will need around 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
3. Flour: About 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to help thicken the soup.
4. Garlic: 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to add flavor and aroma.
5. Onion: 1 medium-sized onion, chopped.
6. Chicken or vegetable broth: You will need around 4 cups of broth according to your preference.
7. Heavy cream: About 1/2 cup of heavy cream to add richness and texture to the soup.
8. Salt: As per taste.
9. Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper to give a subtle hint of heat.
10. Parsley: Fresh parsley leaves for garnishing the soup.

Preparation

The preparation method of cream of mushroom soup is relatively simple and straightforward. Follow the steps below:

1. Clean and prepare the mushrooms. Slice them into thin pieces.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan placed over medium heat. Add garlic, onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Now add mushrooms and cook until golden brown. It should take around 5-10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well until fully incorporated. Cook it for 1-2 minutes more.
5. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the saucepan and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for around 15-20 minutes until the soup thickens.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Once cooled, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
8. Pour the soup back into the saucepan and add heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
9. Check for seasoning and adjust as per taste.
10. Serve the hot soup in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley leaves.

Conclusion

Making cream of mushroom soup from scratch is easy and fun, especially during the colder months when you crave something warm and comforting. Following this recipe, you can make a delicious bowl of soup in just under an hour. Add your favorite toppings like croutons, grated cheese, or bacon bits to make it more indulgent. Enjoy your soup with some freshly baked bread or salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Before getting started, let’s gather all of the required ingredients for this delicious cream of mushroom soup recipe.

1. Mushrooms: The main ingredient of the soup. Any variety of mushrooms will do, but portobello or cremini mushrooms are the most commonly used.

2. Butter: To make the roux for the soup base.

3. Flour: To thicken the soup base.

4. Onion: For added flavor.

5. Garlic: To give a little kick to your soup.

6. Salt: To enhance the flavors.

7. Black pepper: To add a bit of spice.

8. Chicken broth: To give the soup a richness and depth of flavor.

9. Heavy cream: To give the soup its creamy texture.

10. Thyme: For added herb flavor.

Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients sorted out, let’s get started with the cooking process.

1. Start by cleaning your mushrooms thoroughly and slice them into thin pieces.

2. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s foaming.

3. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are soft.

4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they’re golden brown.

5. Add salt and black pepper to the pot and stir the ingredients well.

6. Next, add the flour to the pot and stir until it has been fully incorporated.

7. Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir until the soup thickens.

8. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the pot.

9. Stir gently and let the soup simmer until it’s thick and creamy.

10. Finally, add the thyme to the soup and give it one last stir. Your soup is now ready to be served!

In conclusion, making cream of mushroom soup is a very simple and easy process. All you need are a few ingredients and a little patience. Give it a try and taste the homemade goodness of this classic soup!

Ingredients for Cream of Mushroom Soup

When it comes to making cream of mushroom soup, selecting fresh ingredients is essential. Here are the five critical ingredients you would need:

1. Choosing the Right Mushrooms

Before making cream of mushroom soup, make sure you are using fresh and appropriately ripened mushrooms. Select mushrooms that are firm, uniform in color, and without any blemishes. You can use any type of mushroom, including white, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms. But, most people prefer button mushrooms for their cream of mushroom soup because they are mild in flavor.

2. Preparing the Mushrooms

Once you have selected the mushroom of your choice, clean them by wiping them with a damp cloth. Slice the mushrooms in thin sections, and ensure that all slices are even in thickness so they cook evenly.

3. The Butter Rule

Cream of mushroom soup is an indulgent dish, and the secret to sublime creaminess is the addition of butter. In a saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts bubbling.

4. Creating the Roux

Now, add in the flour and use a wooden spatula to stir continuously for at least three minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring until a smooth and consistent consistency is achieved.

5. Introducing Cream to the Soup

Finally, pour in the heavy cream and stir the soup over low heat until it has thicken and the mushrooms have cooked through. This step takes about ten to fifteen minutes. And, Voila! You have cooked creamy, savory soup that will delight your taste buds.

Conclusion:

Making cream of mushroom soup is a simple task that anyone can accomplish. However, you need to ensure that you choose the right ingredients and follow each step carefully to produce perfect soup. Experimenting with the proportions and types of mushrooms to suit your taste will result in a delicious and comforting soup that will evoke feelings of nostalgia. So, grab your apron, wear your chef’s hat, and get cooking!

Time for Delicious Soup!

Well, you’ve made it to the end of this recipe, and hopefully, you’re feeling confident and ready to make your own cream of mushroom soup! Remember, it’s all about taking your time, following each step carefully, and making sure the soup is full of flavor and richness. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own touch to the recipe as well. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it helpful. Thanks for joining me on this culinary journey, and please come back soon for more tasty recipes!