Flavorful Single-Serve Mushroom Soup
Indulge in the luxurious simplicity of homemade creamy mushroom soup, a single-serving wonder that outperforms any canned alternative. In just 20 minutes, experience the harmony of creamy texture, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, perfect for any occasion from cozy lunches to special dinners.
Are you looking for a quick, yet delectable meal that’s perfect just for you? Well, this recipe is just for you. It’s the ideal choice for a quick lunch or dinner, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor.
With only 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, this recipe is a time-saver, using common ingredients to deliver a dish that’s both easy and delightful.
This creamy mushroom soup brings deep and satisfying flavors to your table, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re planning a special celebration, preparing a holiday meal, seeking a cozy lunch, or a light dinner, this recipe is incredibly versatile.
It outshines any canned soup alternative, offering a warm, creamy bowl of homemade comfort in minutes. It boasts a creamy texture, tender mushroom pieces, and is infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic, onions, and subtle herbs.
So, whether you’re dining solo or looking to impress, this creamy mushroom soup is a splendid choice, promising to satisfy your cravings and elevate your mealtime.
Quick Note:
To reduce the leftovers of the mushrooms, consider also cooking the mushroom pasta the same, or the next day.
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Choose fresh, firm mushrooms. They are the star of your dish, so their quality matters. Look for mushrooms with a smooth surface and a firm texture.
- Don’t rush the onions and garlic. Sauté them until they’re just golden; this sweetens their flavor and prevents bitterness.
- Give mushrooms room in the pan. Crowding can cause them to steam rather than brown, which impacts the depth of flavor in your soup.
- Parmesan and parsley are more than garnishes. They add a layer of umami and freshness, respectively. Use them wisely to balance the earthiness of the mushrooms.
🥘 Ingredients & Substitutes
- Mushrooms are the heart of this soup, providing an earthy, umami-rich base. If you’re out of mushrooms or want to try something different, consider using eggplant or zucchini for a similar texture and a subtle, unique flavor profile.
- Potato adds creaminess and body to the soup, making it hearty and satisfying. In their absence, try using sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste and creamier texture, or cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb option that still provides a creamy consistency.
- Onion is essential for a foundational flavor, offering a sweet and aromatic base. If onions aren’t an option, shallots or leek can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor, albeit with a slightly different character.
- Garlic brings a pungent, distinct flavor that elevates the overall taste. If fresh garlic isn’t available, a small amount of garlic powder can be a good substitute, providing a similar flavor without the need for fresh cloves.
- Cream gives the soup its luxurious, velvety texture. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, which will still provide creaminess but with a different flavor twist.
- Parsley adds a fresh, herby brightness to the dish. If you’re out of parsley, fresh basil or cilantro can offer a fresh, green accent, although the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- Parmesan cheese is the final touch, adding a salty, nutty flavor. If Parmesan isn’t on hand, try using Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a similar salty, umami kick, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, nutty, cheesy flavor.
👩🍳 Directions
To start, prepare the vegetables. Wash the mushrooms and parsley, peel the potato, onion, and garlic.
Next, finely chop the onion and garlic. Then, take a pot and add a teaspoon of oil, the chopped onion, and garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
When the onion becomes soft, add the diced mushrooms, and season them with a bit of salt and pepper as well. Let the mushrooms cook over low heat with the lid on until they release their juices.
Once the mushrooms have released enough liquid, add the finely diced potato.
Mix well and let it cook over low heat with the lid on until the potatoes become tender.
When the potatoes are tender, add the cream and let it simmer over low heat until the soup comes to a boil.
As soon as it starts boiling, blend the soup thoroughly using an immersion blender.
At this point, you can adjust the soup’s thickness by adding more cream if desired. I added an additional ¼ cup of cream.
Once it starts boiling again, turn off the heat and add the Parmesan cheese. Mix well, and the soup is ready to be served.
Pour the soup into a bowl and drizzle with a bit of oil and finely chopped parsley.
🍴 How to Double the Recipe:
Doubling the recipe is straightforward – simply double the quantity of all ingredients. This will ensure the flavors remain balanced while providing enough soup for two servings.
🍽️ Servings
Rustic Bread Bowl Serving
- Components: Scoop out the center of a small round sourdough loaf to create a bowl. Pour the hot mushroom soup inside, allowing the flavors to infuse into the bread.
- Presentation: Place the bread bowl on a plate with a spoon. Garnish the soup with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a sprig of parsley. For added color, place a few cherry tomatoes or a small side salad next to the bread bowl.
- Occasion: Perfect for a cozy winter dinner or when you want to impress guests with a unique and heartwarming presentation.
Elegant Fine Dining Style
- Components: Serve the soup in a shallow, wide-brimmed soup bowl. Add a swirl of truffle oil or a dollop of crème fraîche on top for an extra touch of luxury.
- Presentation: Place a small, delicately shaped spoon alongside. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a sophisticated look.
- Occasion: Suitable for a special occasion or a fancy dinner where you want to bring a touch of elegance to your single-serve cooking.
Light Lunch Combo
- Components: Pair the mushroom soup with a small, vibrant green salad, dressed in a light vinaigrette. Include ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Presentation: Serve the soup and salad side by side on a rectangular plate. The contrast between the creamy soup and the bright salad creates an appealing visual.
- Occasion: Ideal for a refreshing, satisfying lunch, especially on days when you want something both nourishing and light.
Comfort Food Twist
- Components: Accompany your mushroom soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, using a good quality cheddar or gruyere.
- Presentation: Cut the sandwich into small, dip-able strips and arrange them around the soup bowl.
- Occasion: This is a go-to for a relaxed, comforting meal, perfect for unwinding after a long day or when you’re in need of some comfort food.
🍽️ Variations
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup
- Variation: Replace the cream with coconut milk and the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.
- Taste Profile: This variation offers a rich, creamy texture with a subtle coconut undertone, complemented by the nuttiness of nutritional yeast.
Spicy Mushroom and Chorizo Soup
- Variation: Add diced chorizo at the beginning of the cooking process and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Taste Profile: The chorizo brings a smoky, spicy flavor that beautifully contrasts with the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Mushroom and Thyme Soup
- Variation: Infuse the soup with fresh thyme leaves along with the mushrooms. Omit the parsley and use a sprig of thyme for garnish.
- Taste Profile: Thyme adds a subtle, aromatic lemony flavor which complements the mushrooms, giving the soup a herby freshness.
Creamy Mushroom and Chicken Soup
- Variation: Include shredded cooked chicken breast in the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.
- Taste Profile: The chicken adds a meaty, hearty element to the soup, making it more filling and protein-rich.
Wild Mushroom and Barley Soup
- Variation: Add a handful of cooked barley to the soup for added texture and nutrition.
- Taste Profile: Barley contributes a chewy texture and a nutty flavor, enhancing the rustic feel of the mushroom soup.
❄️ Storage
Refrigerating Your Soup
- Duration: Properly stored, this mushroom soup can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container to prevent the soup from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Consideration: Cream-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy when refrigerated. To minimize this, cool the soup before refrigerating and stir well when reheating.
Freezing for Longer Storage
- Duration: This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Container: Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.
- Difficulties: The cream in the soup may cause it to separate slightly when thawed. This is normal and can be remedied with thorough stirring during reheating.
Thawing and Reheating
- Thawing: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure even heating and to help re-emulsify the cream if it has separated. If using a microwave, reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating or further separation of the cream.
🤔 FAQs
How Can I Add More Protein to This Soup?
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Mushrooms?
How Can I Use Leftover Ingredients Efficiently?
📔 Recipe Card:
Flavorful Single-Serve Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
- 1 piece Onion small
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 piece Potato small
- 7 oz Mushroom
- ½ cup Cream light
- ¼ cup Cream light
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Parsley
Instructions
- Wash mushrooms and parsley, peel potato, onion, and garlic.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic.1 piece Onion, 1 clove Garlic
- In a pot, heat a teaspoon of oil, then add chopped onion and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Once the onion softens, add diced mushrooms and season with a bit more salt and pepper.7 oz Mushroom
- Cover and cook mushrooms over low heat until they release juices.
- Add finely diced potato to the pot and mix.1 piece Potato
- Continue cooking over low heat with the lid on until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cream and simmer until the soup reaches a boil.½ cup Cream
- Use an immersion blender to thoroughly blend the soup.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding extra cream if needed (up to ¼ cup).¼ cup Cream
- Once boiling again, turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.1 tablespoon Parmesan
- Serve the soup in a bowl, garnished with a drizzle of oil and finely chopped parsley.1 teaspoon Parsley
Notes
- Consistency Adjustments: If the soup is too thick, add a bit of broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Herb Variations: While parsley is suggested, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Sautéing Mushrooms: Allow the mushrooms to brown well in the pan before adding liquids. This caramelization adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of parmesan, try other hard cheeses like gruyere or aged cheddar for a different taste.
- Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the onions and garlic.
- Wine Addition: For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and mushrooms.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread or a small salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Your Turn
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