This mushroom soup involves sautéing earthy mushrooms and garlic, deglazing with white wine, then blending with cream to create a velvety texture. Finished with fresh herbs, it presents a rich, smooth, and hearty appearance, perfect for cozy autumn days.
2cupssliced mushroomspreferably cremini or button for earthy flavor
2clovesgarlicminced
1cupwhite winefor deglazing
1cupheavy cream
2tablespoonsolive oil
1smallonionfinely chopped
1teaspoondried thymeor a few sprigs of fresh thyme
2cupsvegetable broth
to tastesalt and pepper
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, releasing a gentle aroma.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn a rich brown, about 8 minutes. The mushrooms should be fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, filling the kitchen with a warm, earthy scent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, which takes about 3-4 minutes, intensifying the flavor.
Add the vegetable broth and thyme to the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then decrease the heat to low and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth and velvety. This transforms the chunky mushrooms into a luxurious, creamy base.
Return the pureed soup to the pan if you used a regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm gently over low heat until the soup is heated through and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. The soup should be rich, smooth, and filled with the deep umami flavor of the mushrooms.
Spoon the hot, velvety mushroom soup into bowls. Garnish with a light drizzle of cream or a sprig of fresh thyme for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
For an extra depth of flavor, sauté a few sliced shallots with the onions. To keep the soup vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Serve with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.