If you're looking for a comforting dish that's both hearty and healthy, homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup might just be what you need. With its rich flavors from sautéed onions, garlic, and various mushrooms, this soup is easy to customize to suit your taste. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for those busy days. So, let's explore how to create this delightful recipe and elevate your mealtime experience.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent, then add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms until tender.
- Gradually pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth to enhance the soup's flavor.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop model.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or wild rice to create a comforting meal.
How To Make It – Recipe
Creating a soothing bowl of homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup is simpler than you might believe. This charming dish is packed with rich flavors and a creamy texture, making it perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner gathering.
Using straightforward, wholesome ingredients, you can whip up this tasty soup that will satisfy your taste buds while adhering to a vegan lifestyle. To achieve the ideal balance of earthiness and creaminess, you'll want to select fresh mushrooms, preferably a mix of varieties such as cremini and button mushrooms.
The addition of garlic, onion, and herbs will elevate the flavor profile, while coconut milk or cashew cream will provide the creamy base that makes this soup so fulfilling. With just a bit of chopping and simmering, you can create a dish that rivals any restaurant offering. Additionally, this soup is a great way to incorporate nutritional yeast for added flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup coconut milk or cashew cream
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture. Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Once done, stir in the coconut milk or cashew cream, and let it heat through. For a smoother texture, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a regular blender in batches.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
When making vegan cream of mushroom soup, feel free to customize it to your taste. You can experiment with different types of mushrooms for varied flavors or add fresh herbs like basil or dill for an aromatic twist.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the simmering stage. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring that every bowl is perfectly seasoned to your liking.
Enjoy your homemade vegan treat!
Cooking Steps
To create your creamy mushroom soup, start by sautéing onions until they're translucent, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma.
Next, add sliced mushrooms and garlic, letting their flavors mingle before gradually pouring in vegetable broth.
Finally, blend everything until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful dish. This recipe exemplifies how vegan cream of mushroom soup can be both comforting and nourishing.
Step 1. Sauté Onions Until Translucent
Heat a splash of olive oil in your pan, allowing it to shimmer before adding the chopped onions.
Using effective sauté techniques, stir the onions gently, choosing sweet varieties like Vidalia or yellow onions for a richer flavor.
As they soften, keep cooking until they turn translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and forming a flavorful base for your creamy soup.
Step 2. Add Sliced Mushrooms and Garlic
Once the onions have reached that perfect translucent stage, it's time to elevate the flavor profile by adding the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic.
Stir them in, allowing the sautéed mushrooms to absorb the onion's essence while releasing their own savory goodness.
As the garlic flavor infuses the mix, you'll notice a rich aroma that signals your soup's delicious transformation.
Enjoy the process!
Step 3. Add Vegetable Broth Gradually
As you savor the delightful aroma wafting from your sautéed vegetables, gradually pour in the vegetable broth, letting it mingle with the mushrooms and garlic.
This step not only enhances the broth's flavor but also brings out the vegetable broth benefits, like adding essential nutrients to your soup.
Stir gently, allowing the rich flavors to blend beautifully, creating a comforting base for your creamy concoction.
Step 4. Blend Until Smooth
With the broth now infused with the savory goodness of your sautéed vegetables, it's time to create that creamy texture.
Use your preferred blending techniques—whether an immersion blender or a countertop model—to puree the mixture until smooth.
Adjust the blending time to achieve your desired soup consistency, ensuring every bite is velvety and rich.
Enjoy the transformation of your ingredients!
Step 5. Season With Salt and Pepper
To elevate the flavors of your homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup, you'll want to season it with salt and pepper.
These simple seasoning techniques can dramatically enhance the overall taste.
Start with a pinch of salt to bring out the earthy mushroom notes, then add freshly cracked pepper for a subtle kick.
Taste as you go, adjusting for the perfect balance.
Substitution Suggestions
Whether you're out of a specific ingredient or just looking to customize the flavors of your homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup, there are plenty of substitutions to contemplate.
Swap coconut milk for almond milk for a lighter base, or use cashew cream for extra creaminess.
You can also replace nutritional yeast with a bit of miso for that savory umami kick. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the soup's flavor profile.
Enjoy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
As you prepare to serve your homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of color and flavor.
For garnish options, add a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Pairing suggestions include crusty bread or a fresh salad, enhancing the overall dining experience with delightful contrasts. Additionally, serving this soup with wild rice can complement its rich flavors and provide a hearty texture.
Enjoy!
Make-Ahead and Storage
If you want to enjoy your homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup at a later time, preparing it ahead of time is a fantastic option.
The make-ahead benefits include saving time on busy days and enhancing flavors as the soup sits. Additionally, creamy dairy-free options are perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
For storage tips, cool it completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It'll stay fresh in the fridge for about four days or can be frozen for longer.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To make the most of your leftover vegan cream of mushroom soup, proper storage and reheating are essential.
For leftover storage, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. It's best to avoid freezing the soup, as the texture may change upon thawing and lose its creamy consistency. When you're ready to enjoy it again, use gentle reheating techniques, like warming it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently for a creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
When you dig into a bowl of homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup, you're not just savoring a comforting dish; you're also nourishing your body. With a caloric content of around 150 calories per serving, you get a delicious nutrient breakdown featuring fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This soup fuels your day while keeping your taste buds satisfied and your health in check. Additionally, this recipe is low in carbs, making it an ideal choice for those watching their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying a creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup isn't just a delicious meal option; it's a celebration of wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and soul.
You can easily experiment with different vegan ingredients to create soup variations that suit your taste.
Whether you prefer a creamy texture or a chunky style, this comforting dish is sure to impress. Additionally, using healthy ingredients can elevate the nutritional value of your soup.
Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Dried Mushrooms Instead of Fresh Ones?
Did you know dried mushrooms can have up to ten times more flavor intensity than fresh ones? You can absolutely use them instead of fresh, just rehydrate them to reveal that rich, earthy goodness in your dish.
Is This Mushroom Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes, the mushroom soup can be gluten-free! Just make certain you're using gluten-free options for broth and any thickening agents. If needed, explore mushroom substitutes to enhance flavor while keeping it deliciously gluten-free.
What Can I Use Instead of Cashew Cream?
If you're looking for alternatives to cashew cream, consider using tofu cream alternatives for a creamy texture, or opt for coconut milk options for a rich flavor. Both will enhance your dish beautifully!
How Spicy Is This Soup?
They say you can't please everyone, and that's true with spice levels. If you love heat, feel free to add more spices; your heat preference will determine just how spicy this soup becomes!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Recipe?
Absolutely, you can add other vegetables to the recipe! Vegetable variations like spinach or carrots create delightful flavor enhancements, enriching the soup's texture and bringing vibrant colors. Experiment and enjoy the creative process!
