Creamy Soupe aux Champignons
Normandy winters can be 50 shades of blah. It's dark enough to turn all the lights on at 4 PM. A simmering pot of creamy soup on the stove is the best way to start the evening …
Part 1 - Mise-en-place
Gather the basic ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
2 onions diced
A variety of fresh mushrooms sliced and chopped- about 700 grams, more or less (more will make a thicker soup).
1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
2 tablespoons sherry (or balsamic) vinegar
4 cups high quality stock (chicken or veggie)
1-2 teaspoons salt adjust to taste
1/2-1 teaspoons black cracked pepper adjust to taste
1/2 tablespoon Umami seasoning - I used Trader Joes
2 cups heavy cream or half and half with crème fraiche.
Crispy sage leaves to serve
Part 2 - Method
Heat butter and oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until melted. Sauté onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms and sear without stirring for 2 minutes (do not add salt!) Add the Herbes de Provence and cook for 1 minute. Pour in sherry vinegar and allow to cook for 3 minutes. Remove a portion of the mushrooms to use as a topping for the soup. Add stock bring to a boil, and then remove from heat before adding cream. Use an immersion blender to make a smooth and then add the Umami seasoning. Bring back up to medium heat and cook until slightly thickened.
Allow to gently simmer (do not boil). Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
Part 3 - Bringing it all together
Serve warm, topped with reserved mushrooms and crispy sage (sage cooked in olive oil until crispy and then blotted on a paper towel.) Add a crouton of whole wheat toast or soft bread if you prefer.
TIPS:
Hold the salt. The only way to get a golden sear on mushrooms is to make sure that they are completely dry before hitting the pan and never salt until they are done cooking. (Salt draws out water from the mushroom, resulting in a soft and ‘slimy’ texture.)
About the Author
Writer, photographer & foodie living on a farm in Normandy called Rabbit Hill, I also run a French lifestyle online pop-up shop and offer French foodie workshops.
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