Go Back

Mushroom Soup

This recipe creates a rich and earthy mushroom soup. Fresh mushrooms are coarsely chopped and sautéed with shallots and herbs until their liquid evaporates. Combined with cream and chicken stock, the soup is then thickened with cornstarch for a velvety texture, seasoned, and finished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 4697.4 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor
  • 1 Heavy Saucepan
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound firm white mushrooms cleaned
  • 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallots
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water
  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Instructions
 

  • Sprinkle the mushrooms with lemon juice. In a food processor, coarsely chop them.
  • Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan and lightly saute the shallots. Add the mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaf and saute over moderate heat for 10 minutes, or until the liquid disappears. Add the salt, pepper, cream, and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Add the cornstarch to the soup and continue to simmer 10 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Correct seasoning to taste.
  • Serve in warm bowls. Sprinkle with minced parsley.

Notes

For optimal flavor, ensure mushrooms release all their liquid and brown slightly before adding cream and stock; this concentrates their earthy notes. Clean mushrooms with a brush or damp cloth to avoid excess water absorption. When adding the cornstarch slurry, ensure it's well-dissolved in water first, then stir constantly as it simmers to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. A splash of dry sherry or a drizzle of truffle oil at the end can elevate the soup's complexity. Taste and adjust seasoning diligently before serving.