Mushroom cream soup.

Mushroom cream soup is a comforting and savory dish, perfect for cool days or a quick and healthy dinner. The rich aroma of mushrooms, combined with the creaminess of sour cream, makes this soup a true delight. Additionally, it is a simple recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences. Let's discover together how to prepare this mushroom cream soup, step by step!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 500 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or forest mushrooms)
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 celery
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 cube of butter (approximately 25 g)
- 600 ml meat broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 50 g sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Approximately 50 ml water

Necessary utensils:

- A 3-liter pot
- Hand blender or classic blender
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the mushrooms, slicing them. Dice the onion and celery, and crush or finely chop the garlic. This step is essential to ensure a uniform texture for the soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a 3-liter pot, melt the butter cube over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and 50 ml of water. Cover the pot and let it sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes transparent. This will help release the flavors and create a delicious base for the soup.

3. Adding the mushrooms and broth: Once the onion is ready, add the sliced mushrooms and half of the broth. Let it simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. You will notice how the aroma of the mushrooms blends with that of the vegetables, creating a fragrant base for your soup.

4. Thickening the soup: After 30 minutes, dissolve the cornstarch in a few tablespoons of cold broth and add it to the pot. This step will help the soup achieve a creamy consistency. Add the thyme and the rest of the broth, then let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

5. Blending the soup: Once the soup has thickened slightly, let it cool down a bit. Then, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until you achieve a creamy and smooth texture. If you prefer a chunky soup, you can leave some unchopped mushrooms to add texture.

6. Serving: Serve the soup hot, adding a tablespoon of sour cream on top and garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. You can also add crunchy croutons for extra texture. This is a perfect combination that will turn the soup into a true delight!

Useful tips:

- Choosing mushrooms: You can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetable soup: If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat broth with vegetable broth.
- Texture: If you like a thicker soup, you can add more cornstarch or reduce the amount of broth.
- Flavors: For a more complex taste, you can add spices like nutmeg or white pepper.

Nutritional benefits:

Mushroom cream soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Mushrooms are an excellent source of plant-based protein, vitamins (especially B2 and D), and minerals like selenium. Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while sour cream provides a dose of calcium.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen mushrooms?: Yes, but make sure to thaw them before use and dry them well before adding them to the soup.
- How long does the soup last?: Mushroom cream soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to heat it well before serving.
- What can I pair the soup with?: You can serve the soup alongside a fresh salad or a slice of garlic toast for a complete lunch or dinner.

A personal note:

This mushroom cream soup always reminds me of evenings spent with family, gathering around the table, enjoying the enticing aromas that filled the house. It is a versatile recipe, perfect for adapting based on the season or the ingredients you have on hand. Remember that cooking is an art form, and each recipe can be personalized with a touch of imagination.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! Discover the pleasure of preparing a delicious mushroom cream soup and enjoy it with your loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Starch, onion, fresh thyme, mushrooms, parsley, pepper, sour cream, meat broth, butter, garlic, 500 g mushrooms, 1 cube of butter, 1/2 celery, 1 medium onion, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of starch, 600 ml broth (1/3 of the amount can be replaced with milk), pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley (optional), 50 g sour cream.