Mushroom Soup (Printer-friendly)

A rich, creamy bowl of earthy mushroom comfort with hints of thyme and sherry.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Mushrooms

01 - 1 pound mixed fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, shiitake), cleaned and sliced
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced

→ Dairy & Liquids

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
09 - ½ cup heavy cream
10 - 2 tablespoons dry sherry, optional

→ Herbs & Seasonings

11 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is melted and foaming.
02 - Add the onions, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
04 - Stir in the mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated completely.
05 - Pour in the sherry if using, and allow it to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol.
06 - Add the vegetable broth and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
07 - Remove the bay leaf. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée part or all of the soup to your desired consistency.
08 - Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently without boiling.
09 - Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way different mushrooms create layers of flavor, from delicate button to meaty shiitake, makes every spoonful interesting
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day, perfect for those I need comfort now moments
  • The texture can be exactly what you want, chunky and rustic or silky smooth, depending on your mood
02 -
  • The mushroom browning step is absolutely crucial, and rushing it will leave you with a soup that tastes flat and watery instead of rich and concentrated
  • Cream can separate if it boils, so add it at the very end and keep the heat low, just enough to warm everything through
  • The soup thickens as it cools, so if reheating leftovers, you might need to splash in a bit more broth or cream to reach the right consistency again
03 -
  • Work in batches if your pot is crowded, as overcrowding prevents proper browning
  • Save the mushroom stems in the freezer for homemade stock, adding even more depth to future batches
  • Let the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to let flavors settle
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