Savory Cream of Mushroom Soup Delight
Experience the rich, earthy flavors of our homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup, where fresh mushrooms are gently sautéed to perfection and blended with luscious cream. This soup serves as a comforting standalone dish or a sumptuous starter course that elevates any meal. With the versatility to adapt as a sauce or base for other recipes, enjoy this creamy delight with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh mushrooms
8 ounces (cleaned and chopped)
butter
6 tablespoons (none)
flour
2/3 cup (none)
stock
2 quarts (chicken, beef, or vegetable, canned or bouillon)
half-and-half cream or milk
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté for about 10 minutes until they are tender and beginning to caramelize, enhancing their earthy flavors.
2
Gradually sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring constantly. Cook for about 5 minutes to form a roux that will serve as the thickening agent for your soup.
3
Slowly pour in the stock, ensuring that you stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
4
Lower the heat and gently stir in the half-and-half cream or milk, being careful not to let it boil. Heat through until it's warmed to serving temperature.
5
Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cream of Mushroom Soup Delight?
It is a rich and earthy homemade soup featuring fresh mushrooms sauteed in butter and blended with a creamy base.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, 6 tablespoons of butter, 2/3 cup of flour, 2 quarts of stock, and 1 cup of half-and-half or milk.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for fresh mushrooms. You can use white button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms for the best flavor.
How should I prepare the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be thoroughly cleaned and chopped before you begin cooking.
What is the purpose of the butter in this recipe?
Butter is used to saute the mushrooms and combines with flour to create a roux that thickens the soup.
How long do I need to saute the mushrooms?
You should saute the mushrooms for about 10 minutes until they are tender and beginning to caramelize.
Why is flour added to the mushrooms?
Flour acts as a thickening agent; when cooked with butter, it forms a roux that gives the soup its creamy consistency.
What type of stock is best for this soup?
You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock depending on your dietary preferences and flavor goals.
Can I use bouillon instead of canned stock?
Yes, bouillon dissolved in water to make 2 quarts is a perfectly acceptable substitute for liquid stock.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the soup?
Slowly pour in the stock while stirring constantly to ensure the flour mixture blends smoothly.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Allow the soup to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Yes, you can use regular milk for a lighter version or heavy cream for a richer texture.
Is it okay to let the soup boil after adding the cream?
No, you should lower the heat and gently warm the cream through without boiling to prevent the dairy from curdling.
What are some suggested garnishes?
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives make excellent garnishes for this soup.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe is vegetarian if you choose to use vegetable stock.
Can this soup be used as an ingredient in other dishes?
Yes, its versatile nature makes it an excellent base or sauce for casseroles and other recipes.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh, crisp side salad.
How should I store leftover soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze cream of mushroom soup?
While possible, cream-based soups may change texture upon thawing; it is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
What if my soup is too thick?
You can thin the soup by stirring in a little extra stock or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
What if my soup is too thin?
You can let it simmer slightly longer to reduce or add a small amount of additional roux.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, adding onions or garlic during the sauteing phase can provide additional layers of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, though butter is recommended for the richest flavor.
When do I add salt and pepper?
Taste the soup at the very end of the process and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 core ingredients: mushrooms, butter, flour, stock, and cream or milk.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, the total cooking time is relatively short, making it an ideal choice for a quick but hearty meal.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
The soup contains cholesterol from the butter and cream; you can reduce this by using plant-based alternatives.