If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting soup with a bit of a twist, the Mellow Mushroom Soup is exactly what you need. Inspired by the beloved flavors of the popular Mellow Mushroom pizza chain, this soup captures the essence of their fresh, vibrant, and earthy ingredients-especially mushrooms. It’s a great way to enjoy that Mellow Mushroom experience without having to leave your kitchen. Whether you’ve had their pizza before and loved it or just crave a new, mushroom-forward soup, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying, with that perfect balance of savory flavors that leaves you wanting more. Plus, it’s pretty simple to make, even for novice home cooks. Let’s dive into this delicious creation!
Mellow Mushroom Soup Recipe
The Mellow Mushroom Soup is a creamy, flavorful mushroom-based dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as an appetizer at your next dinner party. The combination of different mushrooms, heavy cream, and a hint of garlic makes it both rich and comforting. While the original version is a classic, this recipe adds a bit of extra depth through seasoning and some optional twists to personalize it to your liking.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need to create this dreamy mushroom soup:
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Mushrooms: This is the star of the dish, so make sure to use a variety for depth of flavor. You’ll need:
- 1 lb of cremini mushrooms (also known as baby bellas, these add a nice earthiness)
- 1/2 lb of shiitake mushrooms (adds a bit of umami and a chewy texture)
- 1/2 lb of button mushrooms (for a mild flavor and tender texture)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to sauté the mushrooms and create a rich base.
- Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons for cooking the mushrooms to prevent them from burning.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced-this infuses a wonderful aroma and sharp flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, to add a sweet and savory undertone.
- Vegetable broth: About 4 cups-this creates the base of the soup and balances the richness.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup-this will give the soup that silky, velvety texture.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried-adds a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with the mushrooms.
- Salt and pepper: To taste-these basic seasonings bring out the flavors in the dish.
- Flour: 3 tablespoons, for thickening the soup (optional but recommended for a creamier consistency).
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley for garnish.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to bring this Mellow Mushroom Soup to life:
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Prepare The Mushrooms
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil.
- Once the butter is melted, add the onions and sauté them until they are soft and translucent (about 4-5 minutes).
- Toss in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Cook The Mushrooms
- Add all the sliced mushrooms into the pot. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn, and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
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Create The Soup Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir it in well. This helps to thicken the soup and gives it that smooth, creamy texture. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
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Add The Broth And Herbs
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes, letting all the flavors blend together.
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Finish With Cream
- Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it cook for another 5 minutes on low heat, ensuring the soup is thick and creamy.
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Blend (Optional)
- For a smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
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Season
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Ingredient Insights
The ingredients in this soup are simple yet packed with flavor. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key components:
- Mushrooms: Different varieties of mushrooms bring unique flavors and textures. Cremini mushrooms add a meaty, earthy flavor, shiitakes provide a deep umami kick, and button mushrooms offer a subtle, mild taste. Using a mix creates a more complex flavor profile.
- Butter & Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil helps in creating the perfect sauté base. The butter gives richness, while the olive oil prevents the butter from burning.
- Thyme: This herb is a classic pairing with mushrooms. It’s aromatic and earthy, adding depth without overpowering the dish.
- Heavy Cream: The cream makes the soup luxurious and gives it a silky texture. It’s the key to achieving that comforting, velvety mouthfeel.
Expert Tips
- Balance the flavors: Mushrooms can be earthy and a bit overwhelming, so make sure to taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine at the end can balance the richness.
- Texture matters: For a smoother soup, blend the mixture thoroughly. If you like more texture, use a potato masher to break up the mushrooms but leave the pieces in the soup.
- Make ahead: This soup actually gets better after a day or two. The flavors have more time to meld together, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time and reheat when needed.
- Pair with crusty bread: Serve the soup with a thick slice of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to dip. The bread soaks up the soup perfectly!
Recipe Variations
There are a few ways you can modify this soup to suit your personal tastes or dietary preferences:
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly as well.
- Gluten-Free: Instead of using regular flour, you can use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the soup.
- Add Protein: If you want a heartier version, add grilled chicken or crumbled sausage to the soup. You could also add some crispy bacon bits for a salty crunch.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Final Words
This Mellow Mushroom Soup recipe is not just a comforting dish; it’s a celebration of mushrooms in all their earthy, savory glory. The combination of rich cream, tender mushrooms, and aromatic herbs will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for customizing to your taste. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own personal touch, this soup is bound to become a favorite.
FAQs
What Is Mellow Mushroom Soup?
Mellow Mushroom Soup is a creamy, savory soup inspired by the popular flavors of Mellow Mushroom pizza restaurants. It typically combines a variety of mushrooms, vegetables, and seasonings in a rich broth or creamy base, often with a hint of garlic and herbs.
What Types Of Mushrooms Are Used In Mellow Mushroom Soup?
The soup generally uses a blend of mushrooms, including white button mushrooms, cremini, and sometimes portobello for added flavor and texture. The combination of mushrooms contributes to the rich, earthy taste of the soup.
Can I Make Mellow Mushroom Soup Vegetarian Or Vegan?
Yes, Mellow Mushroom Soup can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, substitute dairy products like cream or butter with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream or vegan butter.
What Are The Key Ingredients For Making Mellow Mushroom Soup?
Key ingredients include mushrooms (button, cremini, and/or portobello), onions, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, cream (or coconut cream for a vegan version), butter, flour (for thickening), thyme, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and rosemary.
How Do I Thicken Mellow Mushroom Soup?
Mellow Mushroom Soup is typically thickened using a roux made of butter and flour. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry or blend part of the soup to create a creamy texture without using flour.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Mellow Mushroom Soup?
Yes, you can enhance the soup by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks. These vegetables will complement the mushrooms and add more depth to the flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Make Mellow Mushroom Soup?
Making Mellow Mushroom Soup typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your preparation time and cooking method. This includes time to sauté vegetables, simmer the soup, and allow it to thicken.
Can Mellow Mushroom Soup Be Made In Advance?
Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. In fact, like many soups, it may even taste better after resting as the flavors have more time to meld together.
What Can I Serve With Mellow Mushroom Soup?
Mellow Mushroom Soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a slice of pizza. A drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can also elevate the dish.
Can I Freeze Mellow Mushroom Soup?
Yes, Mellow Mushroom Soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. However, if the soup contains cream, the texture may change slightly after freezing. To maintain the best texture, consider freezing it without the cream and adding it after reheating.