Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Kennett Square Mushroom Medley Soup?
It is a smooth and velvety soup that captures the earthy essence of various fresh mushrooms, inspired by the mushroom capital of the world.
Why is Kennett Square significant to this recipe?
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is known as the mushroom capital of the world and this recipe is a tribute to its rich mushroom heritage.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this soup contains 230 calories.
How long does it take to make this soup?
The total time required to prepare and cook this recipe is just under 60 minutes.
What ingredients are used to create the roux?
The roux is made by whisking together 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of melted butter or margarine.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth for the base.
How much flour is required for thickening?
You will need 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to properly thicken the soup.
How do I prevent lumps in the soup base?
Gradually whisk the chicken broth into the roux continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Which vegetables are included in the medley?
The medley includes 4-5 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms, 2/3 cup of finely chopped celery, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
What kind of oil should be used for sautéing?
You can use 3 tablespoons of either vegetable oil or olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
How many mushrooms are required?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms, with a variety of types recommended.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, the recipe notes that 2/3 cup of heavy cream can be used as an alternative to half-and-half.
When should the bay leaves be removed?
You should remove and discard the 1-2 bay leaves just before serving the soup.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat in each serving of this mushroom soup.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 5.5 grams of protein per serving.
Should the soup be boiled after adding the cream?
No, you should gently heat the soup through without allowing it to boil after adding the half-and-half.
How long should the broth mixture simmer initially?
The broth mixture should simmer uncovered for 15 minutes before adding the sautéed vegetables.
How long do the vegetables simmer in the broth?
Once the sautéed vegetables are added, the soup should simmer for another 15 minutes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How should the onion be prepared?
The 1/4 cup of onion should be finely chopped before sautéing.
How should the celery be prepared?
The 2/3 cup of celery should be finely chopped for this recipe.
What is the overall texture of this soup?
The soup has a smooth, creamy, and velvety texture.
Is margarine an acceptable substitute for butter?
Yes, the recipe explicitly allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the straightforward instructions and common ingredients make it a great recipe for all skill levels.
What type of pepper is best for this dish?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How many ingredients are used in total?
There are 11 distinct ingredients used to create this soup.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a quick recipe taking less than 60 minutes to complete.