Creamy Mushroom Soup with Thyme
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 500g) assorted mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), cleaned and sliced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for a thicker soup)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Sauté Mushrooms:
- Sauté Mushrooms:
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown. This may take about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Onion and Garlic:
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Thyme and Broth:
- Season with Thyme:
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the mushroom mixture. Stir to incorporate the thyme into the mushrooms.
- Pour Broth and Wine:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and, if using, the white wine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Blend and Simmer:
- Blend Soup (Optional):
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Simmer Soup:
- Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add Cream and Season:
- Add Heavy Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Season with Salt and Pepper:
- Season the creamy mushroom soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Thicken (Optional):
- Thicken with Flour (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to create a smooth paste. Stir the paste into the soup and simmer until the soup thickens.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve Hot:
- Ladle the Creamy Mushroom Soup with Thyme into bowls. Garnish with extra thyme leaves and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- Variety of Mushrooms: Experiment with different mushroom varieties for a richer flavor profile.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can skip it or replace it with additional broth.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
This Creamy Mushroom Soup with Thyme is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for cooler days. The combination of assorted mushrooms, fresh thyme, and creamy goodness creates a delightful soup that is sure to please your taste buds.