Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe - French Cuisine

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cream of Mushroom Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party. This creamy soup is packed with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and onions, making it a favorite among many.

History

Cream of Mushroom Soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks dating back to the 18th century. Originally, the soup was made with foraged wild mushrooms, but today it is commonly made with cultivated mushrooms found in grocery stores.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of sweet butter (60 ml)
0.25 cup of chopped onion (60 ml)
0.5 cup of mushroom pieces (125 ml)
1 tbsp of all-purpose flour (15 ml)
2 cups of chicken stock (500 ml)
0.5 cup of milk (125 ml)
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Melt butter in a soup pot.
Add onion and mushrooms.
Cook until tender.
Blend flour with a portion of the chicken stock in a screw top jar until smooth.
Add the mixture to the remaining stock and stir to blend.
Pour the mixture into the soup pot and heat the soup, stirring frequently, until it reaches the boiling point.
Remove from heat.
Stir in milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reheat before serving.

Variations

Add a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the mushrooms and onions until they are tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Blending the flour with a portion of the chicken stock before adding it to the soup helps prevent lumps from forming.

- Stir the soup frequently while heating to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Cream of Mushroom Soup can be served as a starter with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the mushrooms and onions until they are tender before adding the flour and chicken stock.

- Stir the soup frequently while heating to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute coconut milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Cream of Mushroom Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Cream of Mushroom Soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or a swirl of cream for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cream of Mushroom Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cream of Mushroom Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cream of Mushroom Soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cream of Mushroom Soup contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cream of Mushroom Soup contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cream of Mushroom Soup contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cream of Mushroom Soup is a good source of vitamin D, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Cream of Mushroom Soup contains dairy (milk) and wheat (flour).

Summary

Cream of Mushroom Soup is a creamy and delicious dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in fats. It is a good source of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cream of Mushroom Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and earthy flavors, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delicious soup as a starter or as a main course with a side of crusty bread.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Cream of Mushroom Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, the air filled with the comforting aroma of roasting vegetables and simmering broth. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, a seasoned cook with a wealth of culinary knowledge.

As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I could tell that something special was brewing on the stove. Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you, my dear," she said, beckoning me closer to the stove.

I watched as she carefully sautéed chopped onions and garlic in a generous amount of butter, the kitchen filling with their savory fragrance. Next, she added sliced mushrooms and a splash of white wine, allowing them to cook down until they were tender and fragrant.

As she stirred in flour to create a roux, I couldn't help but ask, "What are you making, Margaret?"

She chuckled softly and replied, "Cream of Mushroom Soup, my dear. It's a family favorite, passed down through generations."

I was entranced as she added chicken broth, fresh thyme, and a touch of cream to the pot, the soup coming together in a rich and velvety mixture. The final touch of freshly chopped parsley gave the soup a vibrant pop of color.

As we sat down to enjoy our steaming bowls of soup, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that it had been handed down from her grandmother, who had learned it from a French chef many years ago. The recipe had evolved over time, with each generation adding their own twist to make it uniquely their own.

I savored every spoonful of that delicious soup, the flavors dancing on my tongue. I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself, to share with my own family and friends.

Margaret graciously agreed to teach me the recipe, guiding me through each step with patience and expertise. She emphasized the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors develop fully.

Over the years, I have made Cream of Mushroom Soup countless times, each batch better than the last. I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different types of mushrooms and herbs to create a soup that is truly my own.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this comforting and delicious soup. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to dish for cold winter nights and special occasions alike.

As I sit here, stirring a pot of Cream of Mushroom Soup on the stove, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe and the memories it holds. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting connections and cherished moments.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and delicious soup, look no further than this recipe for Cream of Mushroom Soup. It is a treasure worth savoring, a taste of tradition and love in every spoonful.