Creamy mushroom soup with croutons

Creamy Mushroom Soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul with its rich, earthy flavours. This recipe combines tender mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and cream for a velvety texture that's simply irresistible. Topped with homemade croutons for crunch and flavour contrast, this soup is perfect for any occasion, from cozy dinners to holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 500g (about 1 lb) fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Croutons:

• 2 cups day-old bread (preferably crusty), cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Cook Mushrooms:

   • Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

3. Simmer Soup:

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze any browned bits. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

4. Blend Soup (optional):

   • For a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.

5. Add Cream:

   • Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Croutons Ingredients

For the Croutons:

• 2 cups day-old bread (preferably crusty), cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Croutons Instructions

1. Prepare Croutons:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss Bread Cubes:

   • In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Bake Croutons:

   • Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy, tossing halfway through baking time.

4. Cool and Serve:

   • Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle over the creamy mushroom soup just before serving.

Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Soup

• Mushroom Selection: Use a variety of mushrooms for depth of flavour. Cremini mushrooms add a richer taste compared to button mushrooms.

• Creamy Texture: For a richer soup, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if desired.

• Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking. Mushrooms absorb salt, so seasoning in layers ensures balanced flavour.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each serving for a burst of colour and freshness.

• Side Dish: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

• Variations: Add a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavour complexity.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Soup with Croutons is a comforting and flavourful dish that's perfect for chilly days or any occasion. With its velvety texture and homemade croutons, this soup will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious soup with family and friends!

Savour the warmth and richness of Creamy Mushroom Soup with Croutons, a delightful dish for any mealtime!