Savory Vermouth Mushroom Bisque
Indulge in the earthy, rich flavors of this Savory Vermouth Mushroom Bisque, where the delightful essence of mushrooms meets the herbaceous notes of dry vermouth. This delightful broth-based soup is a true celebration of nature’s bounty—crafted without creams or milk, allowing the mushrooms’ natural flavors to take center stage. It’s an excellent choice for both casual dinners and festive gatherings, particularly during Thanksgiving or Christmas, serving as a warm, inviting start to any meal. With simple ingredient substitutions, this recipe can be easily adapted for a vegan-friendly version, making it suitable for all dietary preferences. Plus, it can be prepped ahead of time, saving you precious moments when entertaining guests. Prepare to impress with a bowl of this elegant yet comforting bisque!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
6 (tablespoons)
Yellow Onions
2 (cups, finely minced)
Sugar
1/2 (teaspoon)
Fresh Mushrooms
1 (lb (half sliced, half finely chopped))
Flour
1/4 (cup)
Water
1 (cup)
Chicken Broth
1 3/4 (cups (about 1 can))
Dry Vermouth
1 (cup)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Thyme
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely-minced yellow onions, sugar, and thyme. Sauté gently, stirring regularly, until the onions develop a golden color and are translucent, about 30 to 45 minutes.
2
Once the onions are golden, add both sliced and finely chopped mushrooms to the saucepan. Sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to cook down and release their flavors.
3
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well until it forms a smooth paste. Continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4
Gradually pour in the water, stirring continuously until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
5
Add the chicken broth, dry vermouth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly if preparing in advance. This soup can be refrigerated and reheated gently on low heat before serving.
Nutrition Information
12.5
Fat
15
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Vermouth Mushroom Bisque?
It is an earthy, rich broth-based soup that highlights the flavors of fresh mushrooms and dry vermouth without using cream or milk.
Is this mushroom bisque recipe vegan?
The base recipe uses butter and chicken broth, but it can easily be made vegan by substituting butter with oil or vegan butter and using vegetable broth.
Does this bisque contain dairy?
Yes, the recipe uses 6 tablespoons of butter, though it contains no milk or cream.
How many calories are in a serving of this bisque?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh mushrooms, with half sliced and half finely chopped for a variety of textures.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
The yellow onions should be sautéed for about 30 to 45 minutes until they are golden and translucent.
What type of vermouth is recommended?
Dry vermouth is used to provide a specific herbaceous note that complements the earthy mushrooms.
Is this soup suitable for holiday meals?
Yes, it is specifically suggested as a warm, inviting start for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The soup is seasoned with fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and a small amount of sugar.
Can I make this mushroom bisque in advance?
Yes, the soup can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and then gently reheated before serving.
How do you thicken the bisque without cream?
The bisque is thickened by creating a roux-like paste using butter and 1/4 cup of flour before adding the liquids.
How many grams of protein are in this soup?
This bisque provides 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A half-teaspoon of sugar is added to the onions to help them develop flavor and color during the long sautéing process.
How long should the soup simmer?
After bringing it to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.
What type of broth is required?
The recipe specifies 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth, which is roughly equivalent to one standard can.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for those preferring a vegetarian version.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasonings and fats.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat the bisque gently on low heat to maintain its flavor and consistency.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of flour as a thickener. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free flour alternative.
How much dry vermouth is added?
The recipe requires 1 cup of dry vermouth.
What kind of onions are best?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of finely minced yellow onions.
Do I need to add water?
Yes, 1 cup of water is added gradually to help create a smooth base with the flour and butter mixture.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh is implied, you can use dried thyme, typically reducing the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is the soup served hot or cold?
This bisque is designed to be served warm as a comforting appetizer or meal.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
What texture should the onions have?
They should be soft, translucent, and golden after being sautéed gently.
Can I add more mushrooms than the recipe calls for?
While the recipe specifies 1 lb, you can adjust the quantity, though you may need to adjust the liquid levels accordingly.
Does the alcohol in the vermouth remain in the soup?
Much of the alcohol cooks off during the boiling and simmering stages, leaving behind the flavor notes.