Wild Mushroom Soup
A rich and earthy wild mushroom soup with a velvety texture, accented by fresh tarragon and optional creme fraiche, perfect for mushroom lovers and elegant dining.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup shiitake mushrooms
- 3/4 cup portobello mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dried porcini mushrooms (soaked in 1/4 cup water for 5 minutes)
- 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced shallot
- 1 small onion, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1 quart chicken stock or broth, heated
- 1 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
- creme fraiche for garnish, optional ⓘ
Instructions
- Separate the stems from the caps of the wild mushrooms.
- Do not wash the mushrooms, but rub them with a dry cloth; reserve the caps.
- In a heavy 10-inch skillet over medium heat, sauté the wild mushroom stems, shallots, onions, and button mushrooms in olive oil or butter.
- After 1 minute, lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until most of the liquid evaporates.
- Deglaze with sherry by pouring it over the mushroom mixture and scraping the sides of the pan.
- Add the mushroom pieces into the liquid and pour in the hot stock or broth.
- Simmer for 3 minutes or until the mushrooms are very soft.
- Transfer the mushroom stem mixture into a food processor and puree until smooth.
- Return the pureed mixture to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
- Dice the reserved mushroom caps and add them to the soup.
- Simmer until the soup has thickened slightly, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Ladle into warmed bowls and garnish with chopped tarragon or a swirl of creme fraiche.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of soy sauce along with the sherry. If you can't find fresh tarragon, dried tarragon can work in a pinch, though you should use less. For a vegan version, substitute the cream with coconut cream and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the wild mushroom soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Vegies Casserole for a comforting dinner. For added texture, consider topping each bowl with toasted croutons or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover mushroom soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Mushroom Soup contains roughly 572 calories, with 18g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (113% of the Daily Value), calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 771mg per serving (34% 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 different types of mushrooms for this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different varieties such as cremini, oyster, or even chanterelles to add unique flavors and textures. Just ensure the total amount of mushrooms remains the same for the best consistency.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup a day in advance. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream to restore its richness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup may not be as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works well and adds a subtle sweetness.
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).