Hearty Mushroom and White Bean Bisque
Delight in this comforting Hearty Mushroom and White Bean Bisque that offers a rich and creamy texture, enhanced by a medley of flavorful mushrooms and white beans. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and a hint of sherry, this soup can easily be adapted for a vegan diet by using vegetable broth and omitting the cream. Ideal for warming up on a chilly day or as an elegant starter to a dinner party, this bisque promises to please with its deep, earthy flavors and satisfying warmth.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
mushroom
1 lb (cleaned, half sliced and half finely chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
sherry wine or brandy
3 tablespoons
flour
1 tablespoon
broth
4 cups (chicken, beef or vegetable)
white kidney beans
19 ounces can (drained and rinsed)
cream or evaporated skim milk
0.5 cup (optional)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Thoroughly clean the mushrooms. Slice half of the batch and finely chop the other half for varied texture.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms along with the chopped onion and crushed garlic cloves. Saute the mixture, stirring often, until the mushrooms' moisture evaporates and they acquire a golden hue, approximately 10 minutes.
3
Pour in the sherry or brandy, letting it cook off until the alcohol evaporates. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, ensuring it coats evenly; cook for 1 more minute while stirring continuously.
4
Gradually add the broth of your choice and the drained white kidney beans to the pot. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
5
Remove the pot from the heat source. Stir in the cream or evaporated skim milk until fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve hot and enjoy the bisque’s comforting flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Mushroom and White Bean Bisque?
It is a rich and creamy soup that combines mushrooms and white kidney beans with garlic and a hint of sherry for a deep, earthy flavor.
How many mushrooms do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of mushrooms, which should be cleaned, with half sliced and the other half finely chopped.
Can I make this mushroom bisque vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a vegan diet by using vegetable broth and omitting the optional cream or evaporated milk.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth depending on your flavor preference and dietary needs.
How do I prepare the mushrooms for the bisque?
Thoroughly clean the mushrooms, then slice half of the batch and finely chop the other half to create a varied texture in the soup.
What kind of beans are used in this bisque?
The recipe uses one 19-ounce can of white kidney beans, which should be drained and rinsed before adding to the pot.
Is there alcohol in this recipe?
The recipe includes 3 tablespoons of sherry wine or brandy to enhance the flavor, though the alcohol is cooked off during the process.
How long does it take to saute the mushrooms?
The mushrooms, onion, and garlic should be sauteed for approximately 10 minutes until their moisture evaporates and they turn golden.
How do I thicken the bisque?
The soup is thickened by sprinkling 1 tablespoon of flour over the sauteed mushroom mixture and stirring it for one minute before adding the broth.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the broth and beans are added, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
What is the purpose of adding cream or evaporated milk?
The cream or evaporated milk is optional and is used to add a richer, creamier texture to the finished bisque.
When should I add the cream?
Stir in the cream or evaporated milk after removing the pot from the heat source to ensure it incorporates smoothly without curdling.
What kind of onion is required?
One small onion, finely chopped, is needed for the base of the soup.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 crushed garlic cloves to be sauteed with the mushrooms and onions.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, evaporated skim milk is a suggested alternative for a lighter version of the bisque.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth, this recipe is entirely vegetarian.
What oil should I use for sauteing?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sauteing the vegetables.
Do I need to rinse the canned beans?
Yes, the white kidney beans should be both drained and rinsed before being added to the soup.
How should I season the bisque?
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your personal taste after adding the cream.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this Hearty Mushroom and White Bean Bisque.
Can I substitute brandy for sherry?
Yes, you can use either 3 tablespoons of sherry wine or brandy interchangeably in this recipe.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even heat distribution while sauteing and simmering.
What texture does the finely chopped mushrooms provide?
Chopping half the mushrooms finely helps create a thicker, more consistent 'bisque' feel throughout the liquid.
Is the cream mandatory for the recipe?
No, the cream or evaporated milk is listed as optional and can be omitted for a lighter or vegan version.
How much broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of broth.
Can I use other types of white beans?
While white kidney beans are specified, you could likely substitute with Cannellini or Great Northern beans.
What heat setting should I use for sauteing?
Use a medium-high heat setting to properly brown the mushrooms and onions.
Do I add the flour before or after the broth?
The flour should be added after the alcohol evaporates but before the broth is poured in.
Can this soup be served as a starter?
Yes, its rich flavor makes it an elegant starter for a dinner party or a satisfying main dish.
How do I serve the bisque?
Serve the bisque hot immediately after stirring in the cream and adjusting the seasonings.