Get ready to immerse yourself in a bowl of pure comfort and earthy flavours with a steaming hot mushroom soup. This classic soup showcases the richness and depth of various mushrooms, combined with caramelised onions and fragrant thyme. With each spoonful, you’ll be transported to a cosy haven of warmth and satisfaction.
The star of this recipe is a medley of mushrooms, including shiitake mushrooms, white button mushrooms, and brown button mushrooms. These varieties bring unique textures and flavours to the soup, with shiitake mushrooms adding an earthy intensity, while white and brown button mushrooms contribute a subtle nuttiness.
To enhance the savoury essence of the mushrooms, sliced onions are slowly cooked in a mixture of butter and olive oil until they turn golden brown, releasing their natural sweetness and adding a rich depth of flavour to the soup.
To transform this combination of mushrooms and caramelized onions into a delightful soup, beef stock is added to infuse it with savoury notes. The simmering process allows the flavours to meld together, creating a robust and aromatic base for the soup. Thyme, with its herbal aroma, complements the mushrooms perfectly, adding a touch of freshness.
For a luscious and creamy finish, a splash of cream is stirred into the soup, providing a velvety texture and rounding out the flavours. If desired, a hint of mustard can be added to elevate the taste with a subtle tang.
Serving this mushroom soup is a true delight. Each spoonful is a comforting embrace that warms you from the inside out. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal, or savour it as a starter to whet your appetite for a delightful feast.
So, gather your mushrooms, sharpen your knives, and let the aromas of caramelised onions and thyme fill your kitchen. With a pot of homemade mushroom soup simmering on your stove, you’ll experience the magic of transforming simple ingredients into a soul-soothing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Basic Ingredients for Mushroom Soup
Mushroom Soup:
Mushrooms (Shiitake, White Button, Brown Button): The combination of different mushroom varieties adds depth and complexity to the soup. Shiitake mushrooms provide an earthy flavour, while white and brown button mushrooms offer a mild and nutty taste. Mushrooms are the star ingredient and give the soup its distinctive umami richness.
Thyme: Thyme is a fragrant herb that complements the earthy flavours of the mushrooms. It adds a touch of freshness and enhances the overall aroma of the soup.
Onions: Caramelized onions provide a natural sweetness and depth of flavour to the soup. They add richness and balance to the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil is used to sauté the onions and mushrooms, bringing out their flavours and helping them develop a beautiful caramelized texture.
Beef Stock: Beef stock serves as the base of the soup, providing a savoury and robust flavour. It adds depth and richness to the mushroom and onion combination.
Cream: Cream is added towards the end to give the soup a velvety texture and a creamy finish. It enhances the overall richness and adds a smooth mouthfeel.
Salt and Pepper: These common seasonings are used to enhance and balance the flavours of the soup.
Mustard (optional): Mustard can be added for a hint of tanginess and additional depth of flavour. It complements the earthy notes of the mushrooms and adds a subtle kick.
Preparation Tips for Mushroom Soup
- Clean the mushrooms: Before slicing the mushrooms, make sure to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can gently wipe them with a damp cloth or use a soft brush.
- Slowly caramelize the onions: Take your time while caramelizing the onions to achieve a deep golden brown colour and rich flavour. Stir occasionally and allow them to cook slowly over medium heat to bring out their sweetness.
Serving Tips for Mushroom Soup
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves on top of each serving to enhance the aroma and add visual appeal.
- Bread or Croutons: Serve the soup with crusty bread or homemade croutons on the side for dipping or to add a satisfying crunch.
storage tips
Refrigerate: Once cooled, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently: When reheating the soup, do it gently over low heat to preserve the flavours and avoid overcooking the mushrooms.
Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
- mushroom (shitake mushroom, white button mushrooms, brown button mushrooms), sliced
- thyme
- 6 onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 6 cups beef stock
- 1/3 cup cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- 1 tbsp mustard, (optional)
Instructions
- In a pot, combine butter and olive oil, and heat until the butter melts. Add the onions and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize. Season with salt.
- Add the mushrooms to the pot and sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and add thyme.
- Cover the pot and let it boil for 20-30 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, then stir in the cream. Serve and enjoy!
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