Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Mushrooms & Herbs
- 16 ounces mushrooms (button, cremini, or baby bella), sliced
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
Thickening & Liquids
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Oil: Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté Onions: Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the aroma.
- Cook Mushrooms and Thyme: Add sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pot. Cook for 8–10 minutes until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, intensifying the flavor.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat mushrooms. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup.
- Whisk in Broth: Gradually add vegetable or chicken broth while whisking to create a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Add Cream and Season: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, partially or fully blend the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Use a mix of mushroom varieties for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain smoothness.
- Add a splash of white wine with the mushrooms for extra richness and complexity.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian