Mushroom cream soup

Mushroom cream soup is a perfect choice for a comforting meal, full of intense flavors and a velvety texture that combines simple ingredients into a symphony of tastes. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, ideal for cool days or when you feel the need for a warm soup to warm your soul. Additionally, this versatile soup can be customized according to your preferences.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 600 g fresh champignon mushrooms
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 2 green garlic stalks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 small container of sour cream (approximately 200 g)
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 cup of croutons (preferably from toasted bread)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the mushrooms well under a stream of cold water. Cut them into large pieces to maintain texture. Meanwhile, clean and finely chop the green onions and green garlic. These ingredients will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your soup.

2. Sautéing the onions and garlic: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant. This is the stage where the base flavors of your soup develop.

3. Adding the mushrooms: Now, add the chopped mushrooms to the pot. Continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms soften and release their juices. This is the perfect moment to enjoy the pleasant aroma spreading throughout the kitchen.

4. Boiling the soup: Pour 1.5 liters of water over the mushroom mixture. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes. This is when all the flavors meld together, and the mushrooms become tender and delicious.

5. Mushroom paste: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the liquid from the pot into another container, keeping it aside. Use a blender to puree the mushrooms and onion until you obtain a smooth paste. This will give your soup a creamy texture, yet with a rustic touch.

6. Combining the ingredients: Pour the mushroom paste back into the pot. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour and milk until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Add this mixture to the soup and stir well.

7. Seasoning: Bring the soup to a boil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

8. Serving: The soup is now ready to be served! Pour generous portions into bowls and sprinkle croutons on top. They will add a crunchy texture, perfectly contrasting with the creaminess of the soup.

Serving suggestions and variations

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a few fresh parsley or basil leaves to garnish the soup. You can also try adding a drizzle of olive oil or truffle oil at the end for a sophisticated taste.

If you want to experiment, I suggest trying to add other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to enrich the soup's flavor. You can also replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version with reduced fat content.

Nutritional benefits

This mushroom cream soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and essential minerals, while the sour cream and milk add a calcium boost. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream and croutons used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned mushrooms? While it is recommended to use fresh mushrooms for better flavor, you can also use canned mushrooms in case of need. Make sure to drain them well before adding them to the soup.
- How can I make the soup spicier? If you like spicy food, you can add a pinch of ground chili pepper or a few strips of fresh chili pepper during the sautéing of the onions and garlic.
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, this soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. Upon thawing, the texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Perfect pairings

This mushroom cream soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a slice of homemade bread. You can accompany the meal with a glass of dry white wine or a fragrant tea that will complement the soup's flavors.

I hope this mushroom cream soup recipe inspires you to spend time in the kitchen and enjoy a warm and comforting dish! Enjoy your meal!