Cream of Mushroom Soup

Dive into the creamy, dreamy world of soup with my Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe! 🍄🥣 This delicious, homemade delight is perfect for cozy nights in or as a luxurious starter for your dinner parties. It's easy, flavorful, and will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to indulge in the rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms blended perfectly with a creamy base. This soup is not just a dish; it's a warm hug in a bowl! 🤗💚

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fennel seed crushed

• 1 pound assorted mushrooms (such as shiitake, button, and portobello), chopped

• 1 teaspoon thyme, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or you could Chicken broth)

• 8 ounces dairy cream cheese (or you could use dairy free)

• 1 teaspoon truffle zest

• 1 tablespoon wild mushroom seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Scallions, finely chopped, for garnish

• Shredded cheese (like Parmesan or Gruyère or vegan cheese), for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until they become soft and translucent.

2. Add Mushrooms: Incorporate the chopped mushrooms into the pot. Cook until they are tender and their moisture has mostly evaporated. Stir in the thyme and rosemary for and fennel for added flavor.

3. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot, mixing well with the vegetables and herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Blend the Soup: Once the mushrooms are fully cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your preferred consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, a regular blender will work in batches.

5. Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and add them to the soup. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and integrated, giving the soup a creamy texture.

6. Season the Soup: Add the truffle zest and wild mushroom seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.

7. Final Touches: Once the soup is creamy and well-seasoned, take it off the heat.

8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and a generous amount of shredded cheese.

9. Optional Enhancements: For an extra touch of creaminess, consider adding a splash of coconut cream or cream. For a heartier soup, you might add cooked barley or wild rice.

Enjoy your homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup! This recipe, with its blend of aromatic vegetables, diverse mushrooms, and rich dairy elements, topped with the delightful flavors of truffle, wild mushroom seasoning, scallions, and cheese, makes for a truly gourmet experience!