How to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup

If you’ve ever tasted a bowl of cream of mushroom soup, then you know how amazing it can taste. The soup is rich, velvety, and loaded with the earthy flavors of mushrooms. You can enjoy this creamy soup as a starter or a light meal, or you can pair it with a sandwich or salad for a more comprehensive meal. In this article, we will show you how to make cream of mushroom soup with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps.

First and foremost, making cream of mushroom soup is a great way to use up any mushrooms you have on hand. While button mushrooms are the most popular variety, you can also use shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms. Additionally, you will need a few more ingredients, like butter, onions, garlic, flour, chicken broth, cream, and parsley. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or thyme to give your soup an extra depth of flavor. This recipe is straightforward to make and customizable, so you can adjust the amount of cream or broth to suit your taste preferences.

Introduction:

Cream of mushroom soup is one of the classic recipes that never goes out of style. It is thick, creamy, and full of earthy flavors that make it a favorite of many. This recipe is a great way to warm up on a chilly day and is perfect as a starter or main course.

Subheading 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Gather Your Ingredients

First things first, gather all the ingredients you need to make the cream of mushroom soup. Ingredients such as mushrooms, butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Ensure you use fresh mushrooms and other ingredients to ensure you get the best-flavored soup possible.

Subheading 2: Clean the Mushrooms

Clean the Mushrooms

Before you can start cooking, you need to clean the mushrooms. Wipe the mushrooms carefully with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid washing mushrooms in water as they absorb water, making them susceptible to become mushy during cooking.

Subheading 3: Cut the Mushrooms

Cut the Mushrooms

After cleaning the mushrooms, chop them into little pieces. Do not make them too small as mushrooms tend to shrink during cooking. Also, chop your ingredients into similar shapes and sizes for even cooking.

Subheading 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

Sauté the Mushrooms

In a pot or saucepan, melt butter, and add the mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until they appear golden brown, and the aroma is fragrant. Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste, and remove from heat.

Subheading 5: Create a Roux

Create a Roux

A roux acts as a thickening agent in the soup. In a clean pot, melt butter and mix in the flour. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes while stirring until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown.

Subheading 6: Add Chicken Broth

Add Chicken Broth

Gradually, add the chicken broth to the pot while stirring constantly. This step helps to dissolve the roux and create a smooth soup. Avoid adding too much broth at once and stir consistently, so the mixture does not clump.

Subheading 7: Add the Sautéed Mushrooms

Add the Sautéed Mushrooms

Add the sautéed mushrooms to the pot, stir and let the mixture cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally, so the soup does not stick to the bottom.

Subheading 8: Add Heavy Cream

Add Heavy Cream

After simmering the mushroom mixture for 15 minutes, add the heavy cream and stir well. Let the mixture cook for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens.

Subheading 9: Purée the Soup

Purée the Soup

For a smoother soup, you can puree the mixture using a blender. Allow the soup to cool down slightly before blending it. Also, remember to blend the soup in batches not to overfill the blender.

Subheading 10: Serve

Serve

Once the soup is ready, ladle the cream of mushroom soup into individual bowls and serve hot. You can also add croutons or grated cheese to garnish the soup.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, making cream of mushroom soup is relatively easy and straightforward. With the right ingredients and instructions, you can prepare a creamy, delicious soup that everyone loves. This comforting soup is perfect for cold winter nights or as an appetizer at any time of the year. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Section 2: Ingredients and Preparation

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Cream of Mushroom

In order to make a delicious cream of mushroom soup, you need to start by selecting the right ingredients. Here are some tips on how to choose the best ingredients for your recipe:

1. Mushrooms – Choose fresh mushrooms that are firm to the touch and have a rich, earthy aroma. White button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms are all great options.

2. Onion – A milder, sweeter onion like a Vidalia, Maui, or Walla Walla onion works best, but any onion you have is fine.

3. Garlic – Always opt for fresh garlic as opposed to pre-minced or powdered varieties.

4. Flour – All-purpose flour is the best option for thickening the soup base.

5. Heavy cream – This will add richness and creaminess to your soup. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead.

Preparing the Ingredients for Your Cream of Mushroom Soup

Once you have the right ingredients, it’s time to prepare them properly before cooking. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Clean and chop the mushrooms – Use a soft-bristled brush or a damp paper towel to gently brush off any dirt or debris. Rinse them briefly under cold water and dry them with paper towels. Remove the stems and chop the mushrooms into even-sized pieces.

2. Dice the onion – Trim off the ends of the onion, cut it in half lengthwise, and peel off the skin. Slice the onion lengthwise into thin strips and then crosswise to chop into small dice.

3. Mince the garlic – Peel the garlic cloves, remove any green germ inside (it can be bitter), and chop the garlic finely.

4. Make a roux – Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly until golden brown. Be careful not to let it get too dark or burnt.

5. Add the mushrooms – Add the mushrooms to the roux and cook until they release their moisture and shrink, about 5 minutes.

Cooking the Cream of Mushroom Soup

Now that all your ingredients are prepared, here’s how to cook your cream of mushroom soup:

1. Add the onions and garlic – Add the onions and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Pour in the liquid – Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent clumps from forming.

3. Simmer – Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the soup thickens.

4. Add the cream – Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Puree – Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth.

6. Garnish – Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired.

By following these steps, you can prepare a delicious cream of mushroom soup that will be sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Cream of Mushroom Soup

Steps to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup

1. Clean and Slice the Mushrooms – Clean a pound of mushrooms and slice them.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic – In the meantime, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pot and add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.

3. Cook the Mushrooms – Add sliced mushrooms to the onions and garlic. Stir occasionally and cook until the mushrooms release their juices and become tender. This may take about 10-15 minutes.

4. Make a Roux – In another pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir and cook for a minute or two or until the mixture becomes fragrant.

5. Mix the Mushroom Mixture – Add cooked mushrooms, onions, and garlic to the roux you made earlier. Stir and mix them well.

6. Add Chicken broth – Gradually add 6 cups of chicken broth to the mixture while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to boil.

7. Cook the Soup – Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

8. Puree the Soup – Use an immersion blender to puree the soup into a smooth and creamy texture.

9. Add Heavy Cream – Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the soup and stir it well.

10. Adjust the Seasonings and Serve – Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot.

Tips for Making Cream of Mushroom Soup

1. Use the freshest ingredients available to enhance the flavor of the soup.

2. If you don’t have an immersion blender, use a regular blender to puree the soup in batches.

3. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the soup.

4. The soup can be thickened or thinned according to your preference. Add more or less chicken broth or heavy cream based on your preference.

5. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or the microwave.

In conclusion, cream of mushroom soup is a delicious and hearty soup that can be made easily with a handful of ingredients. Whether you want it for lunch, dinner, or as a starter for a fancy meal, this soup can do the job. With the above steps and tips, anyone can make a bowl of creamy, flavorful soup that will be perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy Your Delicious Cream of Mushroom

Now that you know how to make cream of mushroom, get ready to wow your family and friends with your culinary skills. Remember to use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor, and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things! Thank you for reading, and please visit again for more tasty recipes that will bring joy to your taste buds. Happy cooking!