Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Photo: Uncut Recipes

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Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of our Cream of Mushroom Soup! With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a velvety smooth soup that will warm your soul on any chilly day.

Our recipe calls for fresh sliced mushrooms, chicken broth, and diced onions simmered to perfection with a hint of thyme. Then, the magic happens as the mixture is blended into a creamy texture, mixed with a butter and flour roux, and elevated with a touch of sherry. The result is a heavenly blend of savory and subtle sweetness, perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper to your liking.

This easy-to-follow recipe will become a staple in your kitchen for its simplicity and delicious taste. Savor every spoonful and enjoy the warm and comforting feeling of a homemade bowl of soup.

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INGREDIENTS:

Choosing the right ingredients is essential to make a delicious Cream of Mushroom Soup. Here are some tips on how to choose the most important ingredients for this recipe:

Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms are the key ingredient for this recipe, and they should be sliced thinly for the best texture. Choose mushrooms that are firm and have no signs of decay or moisture. You can use any type of mushroom for this recipe, but shiitake, cremini, or white mushrooms work well.

Chicken broth: The broth adds depth of flavor to the soup, and it's important to use a good quality chicken broth. You can make your own broth by boiling chicken bones and vegetables or use store-bought broth. Look for a low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.

Half-and-half: Half-and-half is a mixture of milk and cream, and it adds creaminess to the soup. You can make your own half-and-half by mixing equal parts milk and heavy cream. Alternatively, you can use heavy cream or whole milk for a richer or lighter soup, respectively.

Sherry: Sherry is optional, but it adds a depth of flavor and complexity to the soup. Choose a dry sherry, such as Fino or Manzanilla, for a more delicate flavor.

By choosing high-quality ingredients and following the recipe's directions, you can make a delicious Cream of Mushroom Soup that will warm you up on a cold day.

MAIN STEPS:

Make sure to slice the mushrooms evenly so that they cook uniformly, resulting in a better texture. It's important to simmer the vegetables until they are tender to extract the maximum flavor from them. Be patient and don't rush this step. Be cautious while blending the hot mixture in the blender or food processor.

Don't fill the container more than half full, and start the blender on the lowest speed to avoid any hot liquid spilling over. While adding the flour to the butter, whisk continuously to avoid any lumps. When adding the Half-and-Half milk/cream and blended mushroom mixture, pour it in slowly while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.

Don't let the Soup boil too aggressively, as this can cause the milk/cream to curdle. Keep stirring the Soup constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Taste the Soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

SERVED WITH:

Here are 10 dishes from different countries that would pair well with cream of mushroom soup:

French Onion Soup: A classic French soup made with caramelized onions and beef broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese.

Garlic Bread: A simple Italian bread made with garlic butter, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Beef Stroganoff: A Russian dish made with sautéed beef and onions in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles.

Roasted Vegetables: A healthy side dish made with a mix of vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, seasoned with herbs and olive oil.

Chicken Marsala: An Italian-American dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce of mushrooms, Marsala wine, and cream.

Apple Tart: A classic French dessert made with thinly sliced apples arranged in a pastry crust and baked until golden brown.

Shepherd's Pie: A traditional British dish made with ground beef or lamb, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes.

Wild Rice Pilaf: A flavorful American side dish made with wild rice, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries.

Tiramisu: An Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone cheese filling, dusted with cocoa powder.

Chardonnay: A dry white wine that pairs well with creamy soups and mushroom-based dishes.

ALTERNATIVES:

Cream of Mushroom Soup is a classic comfort food enjoyed by many. However, if you're looking to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of other dishes you can make that use similar ingredients. Here are ten alternative dishes to Cream of Mushroom Soup that you might enjoy:

Mushroom Risotto: This Italian dish is made with Arborio rice, chicken broth, mushrooms, onion, and Parmesan cheese. It's a creamy, comforting dish that's perfect for chilly nights.

Chicken and Mushroom Pie: A savory British dish made with chicken, mushrooms, onion, chicken broth, and sometimes cream or crème fraîche, all baked in a pastry crust.

Mushroom Stroganoff: A Russian dish made with mushrooms, sour cream, onions, and sometimes beef or beef broth. It's typically served over noodles or rice.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta: A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with mushrooms, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It's a great weeknight meal that's easy to make.

Mushroom Quiche: A French dish made with a pastry crust filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, mushrooms, and sometimes bacon or ham.

Cream of Mushroom Casserole: A hearty casserole made with mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup (of course), chicken broth, onion, and breadcrumbs. It's a great side dish for Thanksgiving or any other holiday meal.

Mushroom and Brie Tart: A savory tart made with a pastry crust filled with mushrooms, Brie cheese, and sometimes caramelized onions. It's perfect as an appetizer or light meal.

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Soup: Similar to cream of mushroom soup, but with the addition of spinach for a boost of nutrients. It's a great way to get in some greens while still enjoying a comforting bowl of soup.

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Flatbread: A simple yet delicious flatbread made with mushrooms, goat cheese, caramelized onions, and sometimes prosciutto or bacon.

Mushroom and Swiss Cheese Omelette: A classic breakfast dish made with eggs, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and sometimes herbs like thyme or parsley. It's a filling and delicious way to start the day.

All of these dishes use similar ingredients to Cream of Mushroom Soup but offer a different spin on the classic comfort food.

HISTORY:

Cream of Mushroom Soup has a long and storied history that dates back to the late 19th century. The origins of the dish are somewhat unclear, with various legends and stories claiming credit for its creation.

One popular legend attributes the invention of Cream of Mushroom Soup to a French chef named Louis Diat, who worked at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York City in the early 1900s. According to the story, Diat was homesick for the flavors of his youth in France and decided to create a soup that reminded him of his mother's cooking. He combined mushrooms, cream, and other ingredients to create a rich and satisfying soup that quickly became popular among the hotel's elite clientele.

Another theory suggests that Cream of Mushroom Soup originated in England, where it was a common dish during the Victorian era. It was often served as a first course at formal dinners and was considered a luxurious and indulgent dish.

Regardless of its origins, Cream of Mushroom Soup quickly became a popular dish in the United States and other Western countries. It was often served in fine dining restaurants and was a staple of home cooking during the mid-20th century. The soup was easy to make, affordable, and versatile, making it a popular choice for families looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

Today, Cream of Mushroom Soup remains a beloved dish around the world, with countless variations and adaptations. It is often used as a base for casseroles and other dishes, and can be found in cans and cartons at grocery stores everywhere. Whether served as a starter or a main course, Cream of Mushroom Soup continues to be a comforting and satisfying dish that has stood the test of time.

TIPS:

- When slicing the mushrooms, try to keep them as uniform as possible. This will help them cook evenly and prevent some from becoming overcooked while others are still undercooked. Same goes for the Onions.

- When simmering the vegetables in STEP 3, make sure to keep the heat low and not let the mixture boil. Boiling can cause the vegetables to break down too quickly and affect the texture of the soup.

- When blending the soup in step 4, work in batches if necessary and be careful not to overfill the blender or food processor. Hot liquids can expand and cause the mixture to overflow and create a mess.

- When adding the sherry in step 10, make sure to taste the soup first and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sherry can add a rich, nutty flavor to the soup, but it can also be overpowering if too much is added.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (1 Person) Cups (2 People) Cups (3 People) Cups (4 People) Cups (5 People) Cups (6 People) Cups (8 People) Imperial (1 Person) Imperial (2 People) Imperial (3 People) Imperial (4 People) Imperial (5 People) Imperial (6 People) Imperial (8 People) Metric (1 Person) Metric (2 People) Metric (3 People) Metric (4 People) Metric (5 People) Metric (6 People) Metric (8 People)

Directions:

01 - Slice the Mushrooms.

02 - Dice the Onion.

03 - In a large heavy saucepan, simmer the sliced Mushrooms, Chicken Broth, diced Onion, and Thyme over low heat until the Vegetables are tender, which usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

04 - Carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender or food processor, and pulse until the Soup is creamy.



05 - Using the same saucepan from STEP 3, melt the Butter over low heat.

06 - Whisk the All-Purpose Flour into the Butter, until the Mixture is smooth.

07 - Season the Mixture with Salt and Pepper and whisk it again, making sure that the seasoning suits your taste.



08 - While constantly whisking the Butter and Flour mixture, slowly pour in the Half-and-Half milk/cream and the blended Mushroom prepared in STEP 4.

09 - Increase the heat and bring the Soup to a boil. Keep stirring the mixture constantly until it thickens.

10 - Add the Sherry to the Soup and continue stirring for another 2 minutes.

11 - Taste the Soup and adjust the seasoning with Salt and Pepper as needed.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Notes:

- To make this soup vegetarian, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

- For a vegan version, you can replace the half-and-half with a non-dairy milk or cream substitute, such as coconut milk or soy cream.

- If you want a thicker soup, you can add more flour to the mixture in Step 6.

- For a smoother texture, you can strain the soup after blending it in Step 4, or not blending it as much and leave some chuncks in it.

- To store the soup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

- You can garnish the soup with fresh herbs, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

- If you prefer a stronger sherry flavor, you can add it earlier in the cooking process, such as in Step 3 or 6.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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