Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound mushrooms (cremini, white button, or a mix), sliced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Broth:
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami flavor)
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Croutons or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.Cook the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.Add the Broth
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.Blend for a Smooth Texture (Optional)
For a creamy consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. For a chunkier texture, leave some mushroom pieces whole.Stir in the Cream
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread or croutons.
Notes
✅ Make It Vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter and swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream.
✅ Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour with cornstarch (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water before adding).
✅ Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms for extra depth.
✅ Extra Creamy Version: Blend in ½ cup cream cheese for a rich, velvety texture.
✅ Add Protein: Stir in shredded chicken or cooked lentils for a heartier soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg