Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound (450g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamier soup)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

2. Cook the Mushrooms:

  • Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are lightly browned.
  • Sprinkle in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add the Broth:

  • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Blend the Soup (Optional):

  • For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the pot. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
  • If you prefer a chunky soup, you can skip this step.

5. Add the Cream:

  • Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve:

  • Ladle the mushroom soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and extra flavor.
  • Serve with keto-friendly bread or a simple salad.

Tips:

  • For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, use heavy cream or even cream cheese to thicken the soup instead of flour.
  • You can experiment with different mushrooms like shiitake, portobello, or wild mushrooms for a deeper, more complex flavor.
  • If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more cream.

This Easy Mushroom Soup is a warm, savory delight that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With its earthy mushroom flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit!