Creamy Mushroom Soup With Baby Bellas
This updated delicious creamy mushroom soup is a lighter version of the old-school soup. The cozy mushroom flavor takes center stage, while the cream plays the best supporting actor. You can make this easy recipe smooth or chunky. I also included an optional quick garlic crouton recipe, because croutons make this soup so much better!
Sauteing Mushrooms
There is a trick to bringing out the best possible flavor in mushrooms. Follow these steps to take your mushroom soup from meh to OH MY GOD.
The time needed: 15 minutes.
How to Cook Mushrooms for Maximum Flavor
- Toss in Olive Oil: To bring out the best flavor, toss the mushrooms in olive oil. I recommend using the olive oil that is left in the pan from cooking the onions.
- Sprinkle SaltSprinkling the mushrooms with a pinch of salt helps to bring out the flavor, but also draws out any moisture.
- Even DistributionEvenly spread the mushrooms at the bottom of the pot. The goal here is to have as many mushrooms as possible touching the bottom surface.
- Do Not Touch for FIVE MinutesThis step is hard but vital for intensifying the mushroom flavor. This is often known as the browning or darkening of the mushrooms. If you have a small pan or a lot of mushrooms, you might need to stir and repeat this step.
- Add FlourSprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat evenly. Allow the mushrooms to cook for another 2 - 3 minutes.
- Add Sherry or White WineI think you have it down now, do not disturb the mushrooms while cooking.
- In this step add the sherry or white wine and leave undisturbed for five minutes. The mushrooms might be caramelizing and that is ok. All those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot add so much flavor.
What Types of Mushrooms I can use?
The base of this recipe is made using baby bella and white button mushrooms. Baby bellas are juvenile portobello mushrooms. These mushrooms are also known as cremini mushrooms. Baby bella is really the shortened name for portobello.
In addition to the base, you might want to sprinkle in additional mushrooms. The additional mushrooms will add complexity and earthy flavors. The earthy flavor can be quite strong and as a general rule, a little goes a long way.
Garnish Suggestions
When it comes to garnishing there are lots of great options. Here are a few suggestions. Personally, I love a chunky soup and I load up on garnishes.
- Mushrooms
- Green onions
- Garlic croutons
- Parsley
- Chives
- Thyme
- Bacon
- Cream
- Parmesan cheese
Creamy Mushroom Soup With Baby Bellas
Recipe details
- 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 40 Minutes Total time: 50 min
Comments
Share your thoughts, or ask a question!
Like your style! This looks like a solid quick mushroom soup. And like you, enjoy a variety of garnish options. Going to double recipe as I am cooking for nine as part of a meal. They like soup, salad and half a sandwich for lunch or dinner. For the salad, will use mushrooms too. And offer sauteed mushrooms as a garnish for the sandwich. It's kind of fun highlighting one ingredient and offering in several preparations throughout the meal. It is a great conversation throughout the meal and then they decide what other items they want in multiple preparations. And fun for me to find recipes that highlight the chosen item.