The World'S Greatest Mushroom Soup
A rich and velvety mushroom soup featuring a savory blend of button mushrooms, onions, tarragon, and optional cream. Its deep umami flavor makes it perfect for mushroom lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike, suitable for elegant dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
- 3 c. button mushrooms, washed ⓘ
- 2 c. onions, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. flour ⓘ
- 5 c. chicken stock or broth ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce (optional) ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped, fresh tarragon ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- chopped parsley to garnish ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. cream (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice mushroom caps thinly.
- Chop mushroom stalks finely.
- Soften chopped onions and mushroom stalks in butter in a large pot.
- Add flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add chicken stock, bring to a boil.
- Add sliced mushroom caps, bay leaf, tarragon, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve garnished with sliced mushrooms and chopped parsley, with optional cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For deeper flavor, consider using a mix of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, alongside the button mushrooms. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. To enhance the creaminess without adding cream, blend a portion of the soup before serving. This mushroom soup is versatile and pairs beautifully with Savory Short Ribs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful mushroom soup as a starter or main course, garnished with fresh parsley and optional cream. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad, like Tropical Chicken Salad, for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, enjoy it alongside a sandwich or a side of Calico Cheese Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mushroom soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens upon refrigeration, add a splash of chicken stock or water to reach the desired consistency before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The World'S Greatest Mushroom Soup contains roughly 1538 calories, with 113g protein, 283g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (597% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (525% of the Daily Value), and protein (226% of the Daily Value). 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 make this mushroom soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth, and omit the Worcestershire sauce or choose a vegetarian version. This will maintain the soup's rich flavor while keeping it plant-based.
How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or a standard blender. If you prefer not to blend, adding a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with water can help thicken the soup as it simmers.
Can I freeze mushroom soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup, but it's best to do so without the cream. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding cream if desired.
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).