Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is a classic and comforting dish that’s easy to make at home. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade cream of mushroom soup:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (about 450 grams) fresh mushrooms, finely chopped (you can use a variety of mushrooms like button, cremini, or shiitake)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Mushrooms: In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped mushrooms, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir occasionally.
  2. Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the mushrooms. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture, and stir well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  4. Pour in Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
  6. Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids and allow them to cool slightly if necessary.
  7. Add Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot (if necessary) and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup over low heat, but do not bring it to a boil, to avoid curdling. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
  8. Season: Season the cream of mushroom soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.
  10. Enjoy: Serve your homemade cream of mushroom soup as a comforting and delicious appetizer or meal.

This homemade cream of mushroom soup is rich, creamy, and bursting with mushroom flavor. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy, homemade meal, especially on a chilly day.