Creamy Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties
Warm up with this indulgent and cosy soup that’s perfect for those cooler days! Experience the creamy, delightful taste of mushrooms and sweet onions along with irresistible cheesy toasties. A fantastic dish that is definitely worth a try!
🍲 Servings: 4
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 40 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
– Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
– Large onions, thinly sliced – 2
– Butter – 1 tablespoon
– Mixed mushrooms (like cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced – 1 pound
– Garlic cloves, minced – 2
– Vegetable stock – 4 cups
– Heavy cream – 1 cup
– Salt and pepper as per taste
– Fresh thyme for garnish
For the Cheesy Toasties:
– Baguette or crusty bread slices – 8
– Grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese – 1 cup
– Butter, softened – 1 tablespoon
– Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
For the Soup:
1. Caramelise the onions by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add onions and keep stirring on occasion for about 15 minutes until they turn golden and caramelised.
2. Mix in the butter till it melts, then add the sliced mushrooms and garlic. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their juices.
3. Add the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup till smooth. Alternatively, you can blend in batches using a standard blender. Stir in the cream, and add salt and pepper.
For the Cheesy Toasties:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and arrange the bread slices on a baking tray.
2. Blend butter and garlic powder and spread over each bread slice. Generously sprinkle grated cheese on top. Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes till the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve with the cheesy toasties.
Service Tip: This beautifully assembled soup and toastie combo is best served immediately while everything is still hot, with fresh thyme adding a perfect splash of colour and flavor to your delicious soup!
Storage Tip: If you do end up with left overs, let the soup cool down before refrigerating. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Toasties are best eaten fresh, but can be toasted again to maintain their crispness.
Tips: While preparing the soup, keep stirring occasionally for the onions to caramelize evenly without burning. Also, while baking the toasties, keep an eye on them as the time could vary depending on the oven.
Variations: For a gluten-free option, replace the wheat bread with gluten-free bread. You can also play around with the types of cheese; blue cheese or mozzarella would add a great taste too!
FAQs:
1. What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
– Dried thyme works as well. Remember, the general rule of thumb is to use one third of dried herbs as compared to fresh ones.
2. Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
– Absolutely! Just remember that the soup won’t be as rich and creamy.
3. What else can I serve with this soup?
– This soup pairs beautifully with a side salad or even a light main. But the cheesy toasties themselves work amazingly as a perfect side.
Immerse yourself in this comforting and tasty delight- the perfect dish for a snug night in!