Mushroom soup

Mushroom soup is a rich, savory, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Here’s a straightforward recipe for a creamy mushroom soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream (adjust based on desired richness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup white wine or sherry for extra depth of flavor
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, a drizzle of truffle oil, or a few sautéed mushroom slices

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Cook Mushrooms:

   • Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
   • If using, add the white wine or sherry and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

3. Add Flour:

   • Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Add Broth and Simmer:

   • Gradually add the broth, stirring to combine and avoid lumps.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Puree Soup:

   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.

6. Add Dairy:

   • Stir in the milk or cream and heat the soup gently until warmed through. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a drizzle of truffle oil, or some sautéed mushroom slices if desired.

This mushroom soup is perfect for a cozy meal and pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad. Enjoy!