Title: Comforting Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Parmesan Toasties and Bacon
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
## Introduction
Add a dash of warmth to your chilly nights with this hearty Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup. Enhanced with a lovely garnish of Parmesan Toasties and Bacon, this dish will surely become a dinner time favorite!
## Why Make This Recipe
There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that spells comfort and solace. This mushroom and caramelized onion soup is not just a bowl of goodness but an ensemble of rich flavors and heartiness – a perfect combination for those cozy indoor dinner times!
## How to Make Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Parmesan Toasties and Bacon
### Ingredients:
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
– Butter (1 tablespoon)
– Onions, thinly sliced (2 large)
– Mushrooms, sliced (1 pound)
– Garlic, minced (3 cloves)
– Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups)
– Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
For the Toasties:
– Baguette or rustic bread (8 slices)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
– Melted butter (2 tablespoons)
For the Bacon Topping:
– Bacon, cooked and crumbled (4 slices)
### Directions:
1. Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add in the onions and cook until they turn golden and caramelized. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the mushrooms turn tender. This should take approximately 10 minutes.
4. Add in the broth, increase the heat to bring the combination to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in the cream and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. To prepare the Parmesan toasties, first, preheat your oven’s broiler. Next, place the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan on top. Broil until golden and crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with crumbled bacon and fresh thyme. Serve the soup hot with Parmesan toasties on the side.
Dig in and enjoy!
## How to Serve Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Parmesan Toasties and Bacon
The soup is best enjoyed warm, served with crispy Parmesan toasties on the side which can be dunked into the creamy soup. It can also be paired with a side salad or a glass of white wine.
## How to Store Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Parmesan Toasties and Bacon
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the Parmesan toasties separately in a bag to retain their crispness.
## Tips to Make Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Parmesan Toasties and Bacon
Make sure to cook onions and mushrooms thoroughly to bring out their full flavors. Use fresh ingredients for a more pronounced taste.
## Variation
You can use a blend of different mushrooms like portobello, cremini and white mushrooms for added flavor depth.
## FAQs
1. Can I use any type of bread for the toasties?
– Yes, any type of rustic bread would work well.
2. Can I substitute bacon with something else?
– Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute bacon with vegetarian bacon or simply skip it.
3. What type of onions should I use for this soup?
– Yellow onions are recommended due to their balance of sweetness and flavor, but feel free to use white or red onions if you prefer.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting soup that’s sure to be a family favorite!