Creamy Mushroom Soup

### Instructions for Making Creamy Mushroom Soup

#### 1. **Sauté the Aromatics**:
– In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and thyme to the pot, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

#### 2. **Cook the Mushrooms**:
– Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release moisture and shrink down as they cook.
– Once the mushrooms have softened and browned slightly, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

#### 3. **Create the Base**:
– If you prefer a thicker soup, sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup. This step is optional but helps create a richer, creamier texture.
– Gradually pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), stirring to incorporate the flour, if used, and to deglaze the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

#### 4. **Blend the Soup (Optional)**:
– For a smoother, creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend just half of the soup or leave it as is.
– If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

#### 5. **Add the Cream**:
– After blending (or leaving it chunky), return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. This is where the soup gains its creamy richness. Bring the soup to a simmer again, allowing the cream to mix in completely and the soup to heat through.
– Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a little bit of lemon juice (optional) to balance the richness.

#### 6. **Serve and Garnish**:
– Ladle the creamy mushroom soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
– Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

### Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Soup:

1. **Use a Variety of Mushrooms**: While button mushrooms are a classic choice, mixing in other types like cremini, shiitake, or wild mushrooms can add depth of flavor and variety to your soup.

2. **Adjust the Thickness**: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more broth. For a thicker, more indulgent soup, use less broth or add extra flour to help thicken the mixture.

3. **Seasoning is Key**: Taste your soup as you go and be sure to adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs. Fresh thyme works wonderfully, but you can also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage.

4. **Make It Vegan**: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also use olive oil instead of butter to sauté the vegetables.

5. **Add Some Crunch**: If you enjoy texture contrast, consider topping your soup with toasted croutons, crispy bacon, or fried shallots for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

6. **Make Ahead and Store**: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to leave out the cream until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

### Why Creamy Mushroom Soup is a Favorite:

**Creamy mushroom soup** is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. The earthy taste of mushrooms combined with the silky richness of cream makes each spoonful a savory delight. Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy day or impressing guests at a dinner party, this soup never fails to satisfy.

What’s even better is that you can make this soup in just under an hour, using ingredients that are simple to find. The combination of mushrooms and cream creates a complex flavor profile that’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—you can make it vegetarian, vegan, or add a little extra seasoning to make it your own.

### Conclusion:

**Creamy Mushroom Soup** is a classic that never goes out of style. It’s rich, indulgent, and full of the earthy goodness of mushrooms. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or as the main event, this creamy mushroom soup will warm you from the inside out and leave you feeling fully satisfied.

So, next time you’re looking for a deliciously creamy, savory dish to make, reach for this recipe. It’s the perfect bowl of warmth and flavor that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!