Cozy Winter Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 2 quarts chicken stock or mushroom stock (see below for mushroom stock recipe)
• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2-3 large carrots, diced
• 2-3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium-large onion, diced
• 1 fresh thyme sprig
• 1-2 bay leaves (use two if small, one if large)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Clean the mushrooms with a towel to remove any dirt, then slice them.
   • Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces (approximately 1/4" x 1/4").
   • Mince the garlic.

2. Cooking the Soup:

   • In a large pot, combine the chicken or mushroom stock with the sliced mushrooms, diced vegetables, thyme sprig, bay leaves, and minced garlic.
   • Cook on medium heat until the vegetables are tender, approximately 30 minutes.

3. Finishing Touches:

   • Remove the thyme sprig and bay leaves before serving or pureeing the soup.
   • Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
   • For a smoother texture, puree the soup and strain it if desired.

Making Mushroom Stock

To make a rich mushroom stock, follow these steps:

1. Ingredients:

   • 1 gallon water
   • 6 cups mushrooms
   • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
   • 1 fresh thyme sprig
   • 2 bay leaves

2. Instructions:

   • Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
   • Cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
   • Strain the stock to remove solids before using it in the soup.

Nutritional Information

Mushrooms are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals. For instance, a cup of sliced mushrooms contains only about 15 calories but provides a good amount of B vitamins, selenium, and potassium (source).

Interesting Facts

• Mushroom Consumption: The global mushroom market was valued at $46.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2021 to 2028 (source).
• Health Benefits: Mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties. They contain beta-glucans, which are known to enhance the immune system (source).

About the Chef

Chef Shelley Pogue is a Cum Laude graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and a research and development chef for Vertical Sales and Marketing in San Ramon, CA. Her expertise and passion for culinary arts shine through in this comforting mushroom soup recipe.

For more recipes and culinary tips, visit Chef Shelley Pogue's website.

This article was inspired by Chef Shelley Pogue, a renowned chef and culinary expert. For more of her work, check out her EzineArticles profile.