Mushroom Soup: A Comforting Culinary Classic Made Easy

Mushroom soup is a timeless dish that is both simple and satisfying. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a quick and easy lunch. The best part? Making mushroom soup at home is incredibly easy and only requires a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or a mix of your favorites)
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, or chives (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and softened, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the broth and milk (and heavy cream, if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
5. While the soup simmers, in a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a little bit of cold broth to make a slurry.
6. Slowly add the flour slurry to the soup, whisking constantly, until thickened.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs (optional).

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, button, and shiitake.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme or parsley.
• To make the soup vegan, use vegetable broth and plant-based milk.
• For a creamier soup, add more heavy cream or use full-fat milk.
• If the soup is too thick, simply add more broth or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Variations:

• Creamy Mushroom Soup with Roasted Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap a head of garlic in foil and roast for 45 minutes, or until softened. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the soup along with the broth and milk.
• Spicy Mushroom Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup for a kick of spice.
• Wild Mushroom Soup: If you’re lucky enough to find wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles or porcini, use them in place of cultivated mushrooms for an extra-flavorful soup.

Serving Suggestions:

Mushroom soup is delicious served on its own, but it can also be enjoyed with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or a green salad. For a heartier meal, top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or some crusty croutons.

No matter how you choose to make it, mushroom soup is a surefire way to warm your heart and your belly. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give this classic recipe a try.