Cream Of Mushroom Soup
As someone who's passionate about balanced, blood-sugar-friendly cooking, I'm excited to share my Cream Of Mushroom Soup recipe that's not only delicious but also made with whole foods and real ingredients. This soup is a staple in my household, especially during the colder months when I crave something comforting and nourishing.
I remember my father being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, and how it changed the way we approached food in our household. My mother, an avid cook, had to learn new ways of cooking that would help manage his condition. I was fascinated by the process and soon found myself experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create dishes that were both healthy and flavorful.
One of the key principles of balanced cooking is to focus on whole foods, including lean proteins, high-fiber vegetables, and slow whole-food carbohydrates. This Cream Of Mushroom Soup recipe is a perfect example of how these principles come together to create a dish that's not only delicious but also nutritious.
In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a rich and creamy soup that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its earthy flavors and velvety texture, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
So, let's get started and explore the world of balanced, blood-sugar-friendly cooking together! Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, I'm confident that you'll find this recipe easy to follow and enjoyable to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- The soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and lean protein.
- The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients or spices.
- It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to become a favorite in your household.
- The soup is also a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making a great Cream Of Mushroom Soup is to use a combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, which creates a deep and rich flavor profile. By cooking the vegetables in a mixture of butter and olive oil, we're able to bring out their natural sweetness and add a touch of creaminess to the soup.
Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a roux to thicken the soup. By cooking the flour in butter, we're able to create a smooth and velvety texture that's perfect for a creamy soup. Additionally, the roux helps to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes and the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Finally, the use of chicken broth and heavy cream adds a richness and depth to the soup that's hard to achieve with just water or milk. By simmering the soup for a good 20-25 minutes, we're able to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors, resulting in a soup that's both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making a great Cream Of Mushroom Soup, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of fresh mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs to create a rich and earthy flavor profile. We'll also be using a mixture of butter and olive oil to add a touch of creaminess and depth to the soup.
When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality produce. Look for mushrooms that are firm and have a nice earthy aroma, and choose onions and garlic that are fresh and have no signs of sprouting. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding your own favorite spices or herbs.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butterUnsalted butter is used to add a touch of creaminess and richness to the soup, while also helping to cook the vegetables. You can also use salted butter if that's what you have on hand, just be sure to adjust the amount of salt you add to the soup.
- 1 medium onion, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the soup, and help to balance out the earthiness of the mushrooms. You can use any type of onion you like, but yellow or white onions work best for this recipe.
- 3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the soup, and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. You can use more or less garlic to taste, depending on your personal preference.
- 8 oz (225g) mixed mushrooms, slicedMixed mushrooms add a rich and earthy flavor to the soup, and provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy broth. You can use any type of mushroom you like, but a combination of button, cremini, and shiitake works best for this recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried thymeThyme adds a savory and slightly bitter flavor to the soup, and helps to balance out the richness of the cream and butter. You can use fresh or dried thyme, depending on what you have on hand.
- 1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the soup and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. You can use more or less salt to taste, depending on your personal preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and pungent flavor to the soup, and helps to balance out the richness of the cream and butter. You can use more or less pepper to taste, depending on your personal preference.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flourFlour is used to thicken the soup and create a smooth and velvety texture. You can use any type of flour you like, but all-purpose flour works best for this recipe.
- 2 cups chicken brothChicken broth adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup, and helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. You can use low-sodium broth if you're watching your salt intake, or make your own broth from scratch if you prefer.
- 1 cup heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup, and helps to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes and the earthiness of the mushrooms. You can use more or less cream to taste, depending on your personal preference.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Cream Of Mushroom Soup
- 1In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
- 3Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they're softened and have released their liquid, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- 4Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the flavors are fragrant.
- 5Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help to thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
- 6Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- 7Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. You can also leave the soup chunky if you prefer a more rustic texture.
- 8Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the soup is heated through and the cream has melted. Be careful not to boil the soup, as it can quickly become too thick.
- 9Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme to taste, depending on your personal preference.
- 10Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. You can also serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.
Expert Tips
- Use a variety of mushrooms for the best flavor and texture. A combination of button, cremini, and shiitake works well for this recipe.
- Don't overcook the mushrooms, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Cook them until they're softened and have released their liquid, then remove them from the heat.
- Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can make your own broth from scratch or use low-sodium broth if you're watching your salt intake.
- Don't add too much cream, as it can quickly make the soup too rich and thick. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, depending on your personal preference.
- Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. This will help to create a creamy and velvety texture.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme to taste, depending on your personal preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the mushrooms, which can make them tough and rubbery.
- Not using enough chicken broth, which can result in a thick and sticky soup.
- Adding too much cream, which can make the soup too rich and thick.
- Not tasting and adjusting the seasoning, which can result in a soup that's bland or unbalanced.
- Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the soup.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced ham or bacon for a smoky and savory flavor.
- Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a unique flavor and texture.
- Add some diced vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use low-sodium broth or make your own broth from scratch for a healthier option.
- Add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for a creamy and indulgent flavor.
What to Serve With Cream Of Mushroom Soup
This Cream Of Mushroom Soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your needs. The soup is also a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
Some ideas for serving the soup include:
Serving it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.
Adding some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for a creamy and indulgent flavor.
Using it as a base for other soups, such as a creamy tomato soup or a broccoli and cheese soup.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This Cream Of Mushroom Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To store the soup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.
To reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also add some extra cream or broth to thin out the soup if it becomes too thick.
Some tips for storing and reheating the soup include:
Using an airtight container to prevent the soup from absorbing any odors or flavors from the refrigerator or freezer.
Labeling the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored.
Reheating the soup gently, to prevent it from becoming too hot or boiling over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a unique flavor and texture. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasoning as needed.
Can I add other ingredients to the soup?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup, such as diced ham or bacon, grated cheese, or diced vegetables. Simply adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
This soup is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it contains chicken broth and heavy cream. However, you can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the chicken broth with a vegetable broth and using a non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream.
Can I serve this soup as a main course?
Yes, you can serve this soup as a main course, especially if you add some protein sources such as cooked chicken or bacon. Simply serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you're ready to serve.
How do I reheat the soup?
You can reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop. Simply heat it gently, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also add some extra cream or broth to thin out the soup if it becomes too thick.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions and garlic, then add the mushrooms, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then season and serve.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they're softened and have released their liquid, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the flavors are fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help to thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. You can also leave the soup chunky if you prefer a more rustic texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the soup is heated through and the cream has melted. Be careful not to boil the soup, as it can quickly become too thick.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme to taste, depending on your personal preference.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. You can also serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.