Mushroom cream soup with sour cream and croutons

Mushroom Cream Soup with Sour Cream and Croutons

Mushroom cream soup is a recipe that combines the delicate flavors of mushrooms with the richness of sour cream, creating a warm and comforting dish, perfect for cool days or as an appetizer for a special dinner. This recipe is not only easy but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for any cooking enthusiast. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g champignon mushrooms
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 onion
- 1 potato
- 3-4 tablespoons sour cream
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- salt, pepper to taste
- croutons (optional, for serving)

Preparation of the mushroom soup:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by cleaning and chopping the vegetables. The carrot and parsley root can be cut into large cubes, while the onion should be quartered. The potato is cut into medium-sized pieces. These cuts do not need to be perfect as they will be blended later.

2. Boil the vegetables: In a large pot, add about 3 liters of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the chopped vegetables (carrot, parsley, onion) to a boil and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. This step will help extract the flavors from the vegetables and provide a tasty base for the soup.

3. Add the mushrooms and potato: After 10 minutes, add the potato and sliced mushrooms. Champignon mushrooms can be found in most stores and are excellent for this recipe due to their fine texture and mild mushroom flavor. Boil everything for about 15-20 minutes, until all the vegetables are soft.

4. Blend the vegetables: Once the vegetables are cooked, drain them, reserving a cup of the vegetable broth for blending. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to turn the vegetables into a smooth cream, adding the sour cream and peeled garlic. The garlic adds a flavor note, but if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount.

5. Finish the soup: Once you have a smooth cream, add 2-3 cups of the reserved vegetable broth, mixing well. Let the soup come to a boil for another 2-3 minutes, adjusting the taste with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth.

6. Serving: Serve the mushroom cream soup warm, drizzled with a little sour cream on top and sprinkled with crunchy croutons. These add a pleasant texture and an ideal contrast to the creaminess of the soup.

Useful tips:
- Vegan option: You can replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew cream or plant yogurt, for a delicious vegan soup.
- Flavoring: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra flavor boost. These can be added either during boiling or at serving.
- Croutons: If you want to make croutons at home, cut bread into cubes and toast them in a little olive oil and garlic until crispy.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This mushroom soup is rich in fiber due to the vegetables, which contributes to healthy digestion. Additionally, mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants and B vitamins, important for metabolism and nervous system health. A serving of mushroom cream soup contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of mushrooms? Yes, you can experiment with shiitake or portobello mushrooms to vary the flavor.
- Is the soup good for freezing? Yes, this soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the sour cream before freezing.

Ideal pairings:
This mushroom cream soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a cheese platter. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine would perfectly complement the meal.

In conclusion, mushroom cream soup with sour cream and croutons is not just a simple recipe, but also a versatile dish that you can easily adapt to your tastes. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or as a main meal alongside a slice of toasted bread, this soup will bring warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Cook with love and enjoy every moment!