What's the Secret to a Comfort in a Bowl?
Ingredients
Just like any other recipe out there, a mix of ingredients are required to make this beautiful and comforting dish. Given that there are a lot of variations out there, with the most well-known recipe for Cream of Mushroom soup, you'll find that the main stars of the dish are mushrooms (obviously), onions, garlic, chicken or vegetable stock, some spices and seasoning, and cream.
But just for today, we are going to stick with the recipe I like to use when I make this bowl of deliciousness, and it's simply... simple. And that's what makes it so good. Sometimes simplicity is everything!
Recipe Time!
Everything listed below is my secret to comfort in a bowl. Feel free to tweak ths delicious recipe to your personal preference:
- 2 tablespoon (30mL) of unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450g) fresh mushrooms, coarsely chopped
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 tbsp (45 mL) of all-purpose flour
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme, tied in a bundle with kitchen twine
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 cups of chicken broth, add more depending on personal taste
- 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) of milk
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 1 salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme for garnish, or to taste.
How to Make and Prepare:
- Nelt butter in a skillet
- Add diced onions and garlic
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are tender
- Add sliced mushrooms
- Cook until all liquid has evaporated
- Melt more butter in a large saucepan or dutch oven
- Let it cook, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes without browning
- Add in stock and milk, add seasoning as you whisk.
- Bring to a bowl, then reduce heat and cook for 5-8 minutes
- Puree leftover mushrooms and pour into the soup. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. (If soup is too thick, add a little bit of milk)
- Serve with caution, add parsley for garnish.
Enjoy your cream of mushroom soup, alberta style!
What's New & Exciting!
My Warm Thoughts on Mushroom Soup Health Claims
They say eating good food is good for the soul, which I think is true when it comes to all food and not just cream of mushroom soup. I came across this article about the health benefits of consuming mushroom soup, and it was here that I found claims for its nutrition and immunity. The article describes Mushroom soup as "a versatile and nutritious dish that offers a range of health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking both csomfort and wellness." It talks briefly about the health benefits of mushroom soup, summarizing the variety of vitamins, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory components found in it, and also how it potentially enhances taste. And I have to say, as someone who does like to eat healthy, I did find some pretty useful information and I was pretty satisfied with my findings.
According to the article, it claims that mushroom soup isn’t just comforting– it’s a nutrient powerhouse. Cream of Mushroom soup is packed with B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and Vitamin D, which helps with boosting metabolism, skin health and bone strength.
Now here’s my take on it: Upon reading, what I find interesting is that the nutritional value heavily depends on the variation of mushrooms, or just the ingredients generally used and substituted in Cream of Mushroom soup. For example, I find that shiitake and maitake mushrooms can contain immune-boosting properties. Upon reading it, I thought this was actually pretty useful information and it gives me a reason to love mushroom soup even more, and it justifies perfectly why it’s my favorite soup! Not only is it super delicious and comforting, it’s also great for the body in a lot of different ways. I personally like eating healthy, so this is great news to me! If you’d like to read more upon it and form your own opinion, Click here to read more on the benefits claims of mushroom soup!
I’ve always loved connecting with nature and enjoying my favorite meals outdoors, and nothing beats having Cream of Mushroom Soup in my hands while surrounded by greenery. Shannon Terrace Park in Calgary is my go-to picnic spot, offering a serene escape from the city. The lush landscapes, open spaces, and peaceful walking paths make it the perfect place to relax, savor my soup, and soak in the beauty of the outdoors. Every visit feels cozy and rejuvenating.
