Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Mushroom Soup, a comforting classic that’s rich in flavor and easy to make. Paired with buttery crackers, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party.
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- A drizzle of olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2-3 cups sliced mushrooms (any kind)
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- A splash of sherry or white wine (optional)
- 3-4 cups (or a 1L container) chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2-1 cup cream (heavy or half and half)
- For the Buttered Crackers:
- Crackers of your choice
- Butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil and the butter over medium heat until melted.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add the Thyme:
- Add the fresh thyme sprigs and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat evenly.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes to ensure the flour flavor is fully cooked out.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- If using, add a splash of sherry or white wine to deglaze the pot, stirring to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Add the Stock:
- Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the thyme sprigs.
- Blend the Soup:
- Puree the soup using an immersion blender until it’s completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in portions to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
- Add the Cream:
- Stir in the cream, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more to reach your desired level of creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Buttered Crackers:
- Spread butter on your crackers of choice.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with buttered crackers on the side.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom Soup with Buttered Crackers is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the richness of cream. Perfect for any occasion, it will surely warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy this classic soup with the added crunch and buttery goodness of your favorite crackers.