Hearty Chunky Mushroom Delight
This Hearty Chunky Mushroom Delight is a labor of love that captures the earthy flavors of a variety of mushrooms, bringing warmth and comfort to your dining table. Inspired by a classic mushroom soup recipe, I've enriched it with tender sweet onions, savory garlic, and fresh carrots for a kick of color and texture. The deep richness is enhanced by your choice of beef or vegetable broth, combined with light cream and evaporated milk for a creamy finish without overwhelming richness. This soup is all about the mushrooms—feel free to mix and match your favorites for an exciting twist every time you make it! Perfect for cozy evenings or to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe serves a generous crowd, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
sweet onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
shredded carrot
2/3 cup (shredded)
fresh button mushrooms
1 1/2 lbs (sliced)
fresh baby portabella mushrooms
1 lb (chopped)
beef broth or vegetable broth
5 cups (any preferred choice)
light cream
1 cup (none)
evaporated 2% milk
2 cups (none)
shredded fresh parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped (plus extra for garnish))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Chunky Mushroom Delight?
Hearty Chunky Mushroom Delight is a rich, earthy soup featuring a variety of mushrooms, sweet onions, and garlic in a creamy broth base.
What types of mushrooms are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of fresh button mushrooms and 1 lb of fresh baby portabella mushrooms.
Can I make this mushroom soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply choose vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make the entire dish vegetarian-friendly.
How should the onions be prepared?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sweet onion that has been finely chopped.
What can I use as a substitute for beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or a mushroom-specific stock for deeper earthy flavors.
Is there a substitute for light cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, although the soup may not be as thick or rich.
Can I use whole milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, but evaporated milk is specifically chosen to provide a creamy finish without overwhelming richness.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What herbs are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with dried tarragon and fresh chopped parsley.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly; while it already contains carrots and onions, adding celery or leeks would enhance the flavor profile.
Is this mushroom soup gluten-free?
The listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your broth and evaporated milk.
How do I make the soup even creamier?
You can increase the amount of parmesan cheese or allow the soup to simmer for longer to reduce and thicken the liquid.
Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
Fresh mushrooms are recommended for texture, but you can add rehydrated dried mushrooms to the fresh ones for a more intense flavor.
How should I cut the mushrooms?
The button mushrooms should be sliced, and the baby portabella mushrooms should be chopped to ensure a chunky texture.
What is the purpose of tarragon in this recipe?
Tarragon provides a subtle, herbal anise-like flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the earthy taste of mushrooms.
Can I freeze Hearty Chunky Mushroom Delight?
Freezing cream-based soups is generally not recommended as the dairy may separate and the texture may become grainy upon thawing.
How long does this soup take to cook?
The recipe involves sautéing and simmering, which typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes.
What is the best garnish for this dish?
The recipe suggests using extra fresh chopped parsley as a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the aromatics first and then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What type of cheese is used?
The soup uses 1/2 cup of shredded fresh parmesan cheese.
Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?
Yes, using 2/3 cup of pre-shredded carrots is a great way to save preparation time.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, its rich flavor and chunky, hearty texture make it an impressive choice for guests.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the volume of ingredients suggests it serves a generous crowd of roughly 6 to 8 people.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, though butter is preferred for the traditional richness it adds to cream-based soups.
What sides go well with this mushroom soup?
It pairs perfectly with crusty sourdough bread, a light arugula salad, or roasted fingerling potatoes.
Can I omit the garlic if I am sensitive?
Yes, you can omit the garlic, though the soup will lose some of its savory depth.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling.
Why is evaporated 2% milk used?
Evaporated milk provides a creamy consistency and body without the high fat content of heavy cream.
Can I add protein like chicken to this soup?
Yes, adding cooked shredded chicken or sautéed beef tips would make this an even more substantial meal.