Mushroom cream soup

Mushroom cream soup is a dish that brings comfort and warmth on chilly days. This simple and quick recipe transforms basic ingredients into a creamy delight, perfect for any occasion. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this delicious soup, step by step, with all the necessary details to achieve a perfect result.

General Information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 4-6
- Calories per serving: approximately 250-300 kcal, depending on the amount of butter used

Necessary Ingredients:
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 parsnip (optional, but adds a pleasant flavor)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 200-300 grams fresh mushrooms (preferably champignon or any other favorite mushrooms)
- 100 grams butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for an even creamier soup)
- Salt to taste
- 2 liters water
- Fresh parsley for garnish

The Story Behind the Recipe:
Mushroom cream soup is a classic dish, appreciated in many cultures. This recipe has evolved over time, becoming a popular choice due to its smooth texture and rich flavors. Mushrooms, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, are perfect for adding a layer of flavor and a touch of elegance to any meal.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the onion, carrots, celery, and parsnip. Chop the onion finely, while cutting the carrots, celery, and parsnip into small cubes. These vegetables will form the base of your soup and contribute to the overall flavor.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add the 2 liters of water along with the chopped vegetables and a teaspoon of salt. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are completely cooked and soft.

3. Preparing the mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt 75 g of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the flour and mix well to form a roux. This step will help thicken the soup.

4. Adding the mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms and slice them thinly. Add 3/4 of the mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and release their flavors.

5. Combining with the soup: After the vegetables are cooked, strain the soup, keeping the liquid, and add it to the skillet with the mushrooms. Continue cooking the mixture on low heat, gradually adding the soup liquid. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to blend well with the flavors.

6. Finishing the soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture from the skillet until it becomes a smooth cream. Meanwhile, add the remaining soup liquid back into the pot. Once the mixture from the skillet is homogeneous, pour it back into the pot and mix well.

7. Remaining mushrooms: Add the remaining sliced mushrooms to the soup and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes. These mushrooms will add a pleasant texture to the soup.

8. Finalizing: Remove the pot from the heat. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the warm milk. Gradually add the egg mixture to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. This step will give the soup a rich and velvety creaminess.

9. Serving: Pour the mushroom cream soup into bowls and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. You can add a piece of butter and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:
This soup pairs perfectly with crunchy croutons or toasted bread, which will add a pleasant texture to each spoonful. It can also be accompanied by a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade to balance the rich flavors of the mushrooms.

Possible Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the mushrooms with other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, for a vegetable soup. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary to intensify the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned mushrooms? While fresh mushrooms are preferred for their flavor, canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch. Make sure to drain them well before use.
- How can I make the soup lighter? You can reduce the amount of butter or use olive oil. You can also substitute milk with a plant-based alternative to make the soup vegan.
- What other ingredients can I add? Some choose to add garlic for a stronger taste or cream instead of milk for a richer texture.

This mushroom cream soup is not just a comforting dish but also a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to the season or personal preferences. Whether you enjoy it on chilly evenings or serve it at a festive meal, it is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to all who taste it. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: We need: -2 pcs. onion, -2 pcs. carrot, -1 pcs. celery, -1 pcs. parsnip, -1 tablespoon flour, -200-300 g mushrooms, -100 g butter, -2 pcs. eggs, -1/2 cup milk, -salt, -2 l water

 Tags:  mushroom soup