Savory Creamy Mushroom Tarragon Soup
Delve into the rich and earthy flavors of this Savory Creamy Mushroom Tarragon Soup. With its velvety texture and aromatic notes from fresh tarragon, this soup is the perfect appetizer to kick off a hearty meal, especially when served alongside a grilled steak. Although it may seem a bit time-consuming primarily due to the meticulous chopping of mushrooms and shallots, the end result is undeniably worth it. For a fun family experience, gather friends and family in the kitchen to assist with the chopping while enjoying some quality time together. If you're in a pinch for cremini mushrooms, feel free to experiment with a mélange of wild and white mushrooms to create your own twist on this delightful dish.
6
Servings
75
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 (tablespoon)
Shallots
4 (minced)
Garlic
1 (clove, smashed and chopped)
Cremini Mushrooms
6 (cups, minced)
Vegetable Stock
1.25 (cups)
2% Low-Fat Milk
1.25 (cups)
Fresh Tarragon
1-2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Dry Sherry
2 (tablespoons)
Salt
0.5-1 (teaspoon)
Black Pepper
0.5 (teaspoon)
Fresh Tarragon
1 (sprig, for garnish)
Parmesan Cheese
to taste (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the minced shallots and chopped garlic, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent them from browning.
2
Introduce the minced cremini mushrooms to the pan, stirring gently to combine. Cook the mushrooms for about 4 minutes until they start to release their moisture.
3
Pour in the vegetable stock and 2% low-fat milk, raising the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and fully cooked.
4
After simmering, stir in the freshly chopped tarragon, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, balancing the flavors as needed.
5
Allow the soup to cool slightly before carefully transferring it to a blender or food processor. For a balanced texture, blend only half of the soup until it's smooth, retaining some chunky pieces for added depth.
6
Pour the pureed soup back into the saucepan and gently reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Finish the soup by stirring in the dry sherry, allowing it to meld with the flavors.
8
To serve, ladle the warm soup into preheated bowls. Optionally, sprinkle with parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor, and finish with a garnish of fresh tarragon sprigs.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
7
Carbs
3.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creamy Mushroom Tarragon Soup?
It is a rich and earthy soup with a velvety texture, featuring cremini mushrooms, fresh tarragon, and a hint of dry sherry.
How many servings does this mushroom soup recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the calories per serving for this soup?
Each serving contains 75 calories.
What type of mushrooms are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of minced cremini mushrooms.
Can I substitute cremini mushrooms with other varieties?
Yes, you can use a mélange of wild and white mushrooms if cremini mushrooms are unavailable.
Is this mushroom tarragon soup vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable stock and dairy components.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 3.3 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this soup?
The soup contains 3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What aromatics are used in the base of the soup?
The base is made using 4 minced shallots and 1 smashed and chopped garlic clove sautéed in butter.
How long should I sauté the shallots and garlic?
You should sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
How long should the mushrooms simmer in the stock and milk?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
What kind of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1.25 cups of 2% low-fat milk.
Why should I only blend half of the soup?
Blending only half the soup creates a balanced texture that is both smooth and chunky.
When is the dry sherry added to the recipe?
The dry sherry is stirred in at the end after the soup has been pureed and reheated.
How much fresh tarragon is required?
You need 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon for the soup, plus a sprig for garnish.
What is the suggested garnish for serving?
The soup is garnished with fresh tarragon sprigs and optionally sprinkled with parmesan cheese.
What type of stock is used for this soup?
The recipe requires 1.25 cups of vegetable stock.
What is the best way to prepare the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be meticulously minced before cooking.
Is this soup a good appetizer?
Yes, it is described as the perfect appetizer to kick off a hearty meal.
What main dish pairs well with this soup?
It is especially delicious when served alongside a grilled steak.
How much butter is needed for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter.
What are the primary seasonings in this soup?
The primary seasonings are salt, black pepper, and fresh tarragon.
Can I make this soup with a food processor?
Yes, you can use either a blender or a food processor to puree half of the soup.
How much dry sherry is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dry sherry.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Use 0.5 to 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, or adjust to your preference.
Is the preparation time-consuming?
It can be meticulous due to the chopping involved, but it is considered worth the effort.
Can children participate in making this recipe?
Yes, gathering family to assist with chopping can be a fun shared experience.
Should I preheat the bowls before serving?
Yes, the instructions suggest ladling the warm soup into preheated bowls.
What is the role of garlic in this recipe?
One clove of garlic, smashed and chopped, is used to provide an aromatic base.