Velvety Thyme Mushroom Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Velvety Thyme Mushroom Soup is your go-to comfort dish when you're craving something rich, creamy, and earthy. With its luscious texture and aromatic thyme, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a warm starter for a dinner party.

Ingredients for Velvety Thyme Mushroom Soup

Butter and olive oil set the stage for a flavorful base by allowing the onions and garlic to sauté beautifully. The combination of fats gives a rich flavor and prevents the butter from burning. Onion adds a subtle sweetness that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms. Garlic, while used sparingly, adds depth and warmth. Cremini mushrooms are the stars; their robust, meaty flavor makes the soup hearty. Flour is used to thicken the soup, giving it that velvety consistency. Chicken or vegetable broth provides a flavorful liquid base; choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Heavy cream enriches the soup with a silky smoothness. Dried thyme enhances the mushroom flavor with its earthy notes. Finally, salt and pepper bring all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Sauté the mushrooms until all their moisture evaporates for a more intense flavor.
  • Use a splash of white wine instead of some broth for a sophisticated twist.
  • For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer, but keep stirring to avoid sticking.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Consider serving it in small bowls as a starter for a dinner party. If you're feeling indulgent, drizzle a bit of truffle oil on top just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! Button mushrooms or a mix of wild mushrooms can be great alternatives.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Swap the butter for vegan butter, use vegetable broth, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, but do it before adding the cream. Add it fresh when reheating for the best texture.

Velvety Thyme Mushroom Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing your largest pot — you’ll need the space for all the delicious flavors to mingle. Melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. This combo not only adds flavor but ensures nothing sticks.

Add the onion and garlic next. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent. You'll know it's perfect when the kitchen starts smelling incredible.

Time for the mushrooms. Stir them in and let them cook until they’re beautifully browned and tender, which takes about 8 minutes. This step is crucial to get that deep, earthy flavor.

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms. Stir it in well to coat everything evenly. This helps thicken the soup later.

Now, slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly. This step is key to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth soup. As the soup starts to thicken, lower the heat.

Stir in the cream and thyme. Let it all simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the flavors really come together, so give it an occasional stir.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skip this; it’s what makes the flavors pop. Serve it hot, garnished with some fresh thyme sprigs for a pretty touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, creamy texture without being too heavy.
  • Earthy mushroom flavor that's perfectly balanced by thyme.
  • Simple ingredients that come together for an elegant dish.
  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in sliced mushrooms, cooking until they are browned and tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms, stirring well to coat.
5. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly until the soup begins to thicken.
6. Reduce heat and stir in the cream and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs.

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