Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience! This classic French-inspired mushroom soup paired with savory cheese muffins is not just a meal—it's a warm embrace of flavor that will transport your taste buds to a cozy European kitchen. With just 45 minutes of total cooking time, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this soul-warming recipe that combines the earthy richness of mushrooms with the irresistible comfort of freshly baked cheese muffins!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping mushrooms, onions, and mincing garlic. Measure out all other ingredients precisely.
- In a large soup pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Introduce sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bring to a gentle simmer, and let cook for 15 minutes to develop deep flavors.
- While soup simmers, prepare cheese muffins by mixing flour, baking powder, grated cheese, melted butter, and milk in a mixing bowl until just combined.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with cheese mixture.
- Return to soup, add cream, salt, and pepper. Use an immersion blender to partially blend for a creamy texture with some mushroom chunks.
- Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve hot mushroom soup in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs, accompanied by warm cheese muffins on the side.
Tips
- Mushroom Selection: Choose a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
- Sautéing Secrets: Ensure your mushrooms brown properly by not overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect golden color.
- Blending Technique: When using an immersion blender, pulse partially to maintain some mushroom texture. This creates a more rustic, homemade feel.
- Cheese Muffin Pro Tip: Use room temperature ingredients for a more even, tender muffin texture. Don't overmix the batter—this can lead to tough muffins.
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of white wine while sautéing mushrooms for an extra layer of depth and complexity.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Both soup and muffins can be prepared in advance. The soup reheats beautifully, and muffins can be quickly warmed before serving.
- Garnish Gracefully: Fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or a drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the presentation and add a gourmet touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 85mg
