Primero Mushroom Bisque
A rich, velvety mushroom bisque with a hint of sherry and thyme, perfect for mushroom lovers and suitable as an elegant starter or comforting main dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sweet butter ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 pound mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium-sized potato, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh, minced thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- pinch of white pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 3/4 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Amonfillado sherry
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a 6 to 8-quart Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and celery to the melted butter.
- Cover and cook until the vegetables are transparent, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they release their juices.
- Stir in diced potato, water, salt, thyme, and white pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potato is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Puree the mixture in batches in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in milk, heavy cream, sherry, and soy sauce.
- Heat gently without boiling, then serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense mushroom flavor, consider using a mix of wild mushrooms. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk in place of heavy cream. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance the dish's aroma. Serve with crusty bread or alongside School House Rolls for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Mushroom Bisque is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish. Pair it with a light salad or serve it as a starter before a hearty dish like Scalloped Noodles. A glass of sherry complements the flavors beautifully, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or additional milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Primero Mushroom Bisque contains roughly 939 calories, with 19g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (230% of the Daily Value), iron (140% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, dried mushrooms can be used, but they will need to be rehydrated before adding to the soup. Soak them in warm water for about 20-30 minutes, then chop and add them to the pot. This will give the bisque a robust flavor, although the texture may differ from using fresh mushrooms.
Is it possible to freeze the bisque?
Yes, you can freeze the bisque, but it’s best to do so without the cream added. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, then stir in the cream just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for sherry in the recipe?
If you don't have sherry on hand, you can use a splash of white wine or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water as a substitute. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still add acidity and depth to the bisque. Just adjust to taste, starting with a smaller amount.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).