Mushroom soup, a warm and comforting dish, resonates with the culinary ethos of simplicity and flavor, characteristics central to Mary Berry’s cooking style. This article will guide you through the creation of a mouthwatering mushroom soup that is not only easy to concoct but also brimming with the rich, earthy tones of mushrooms, harmoniously blended with a medley of herbs and spices.
In this guide, you’ll get easy-to-follow steps to make your mushroom soup tasty and flavorful, just like Mary Berry! Whether you’re new to cooking or just love trying new recipes, you’ll find this one a breeze, and the results absolutely delicious!
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Mushroom Soup?
Mary Berry mushroom soup is a recipe by Mary Berry, a famous British cook, author, and television presenter. It is a creamy and comforting soup made with mushrooms, onion, garlic, sherry, milk, stock, mushroom ketchup, and cream. It has a light and delicate flavor that can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course.
Other Mary Berry Soap Recipe
- Mary Berry Carrot and Coriander Soup
- Mary Berry Parsnip Soup
- Mary Berry Carrot and Parsnip Soup Recipe
- Mary Berry Carrot and Orange Soup
Why You Should Try This Recipe
You should try this recipe because it is:
- Easy and quick to make: You only need a few basic ingredients and about 35 minutes to make this soup.
- Healthy and nutritious: Mushrooms are low in calories and fat, but high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can boost your immune system and prevent diseases.
- Versatile and adaptable: You can use any mushrooms you like or have on hand for this recipe. You can also make it vegan or dairy-free by using plant-based alternatives. You can also add some extra ingredients to make it more filling or flavorful.
- Delicious and satisfying: This soup is creamy, smooth, and rich, with a hint of sherry and nutmeg. It will warm you up and fill you up on cold days or when you need a cozy meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Mushroom Soup
You will need the following ingredients:
- 90g butter
- 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 500g mushrooms, finely chopped (chestnut or button mushrooms work well)
- 4 tbsp sherry
- 600ml milk
- 300ml chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 level dessertspoon mushroom ketchup
- Salt and pepper
- A little grated nutmeg
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp double cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Slices of raw mushroom for garnish
The recipe takes about 35 minutes to make and serves 4 people.
Step to Make Mary Berry Mushroom Soup
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Melt the butter and soften the onion and garlic
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with a splash of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. You don’t want to brown them, just soften them.
Step 2: Add the mushrooms and sherry
Add the mushrooms to the saucepan and stir well to coat them with the butter. Season with salt, pepper, and a little grated nutmeg. Cook for another 10 minutes, until the mushrooms release their juices and reduce in volume. Then add the sherry and cook for another 5 minutes, until the alcohol evaporates.
Step 3: Add the milk, stock, and mushroom ketchup
Pour the milk, stock, and mushroom ketchup into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 15 minutes, until the soup is slightly thickened. Mushroom ketchup is a condiment made from mushrooms, vinegar, spices, and salt. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup. You can find it in some supermarkets or online.
Step 4: Blend half of the soup
Transfer half of the soup to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender if you have one. Return the blended soup to the saucepan and stir well to combine with the remaining chunky soup. This will give the soup a nice texture and consistency.
Step 5: Add the lemon juice, cream and parsley
Stir in the lemon juice, cream, and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The lemon juice adds a touch of freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the soup. The cream makes it creamy and smooth. The parsley adds some color and freshness.
Step 6: Serve with raw mushroom slices
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with some slices of raw mushroom. You can also sprinkle some more parsley if you like. Serve hot or warm, with some crusty bread or croutons on the side. Enjoy your delicious Mary Berry mushroom soup!
What To Serve With Mary Berry Mushroom Soup
You can serve this soup with some crusty bread or croutons to dip into it. You can also serve it with a green salad or some roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
Some other options are:
- Cheese toasties: Make some cheese toasties with your favorite cheese and bread. Cut them into triangles and serve them with the soup.
- Garlic bread: Make some garlic bread by spreading some butter, garlic, parsley, and cheese on slices of bread. Bake them in the oven until golden and crispy. Serve them with the soup.
- Quiche: Make a quiche with eggs, cream, cheese, and your choice of filling (such as bacon, spinach, tomato, etc.). Bake it in the oven until set and golden. Cut into slices and serve with the soup.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Mary Berry Mushroom Soup
Here are some tips and tricks for making the best Mary Berry mushroom soup:
- Chop the mushrooms finely: This will help them release their juices and reduce in volume faster. It will also give the soup a better texture and consistency.
- Use mushroom ketchup: This is a secret ingredient that adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup. You can find it in some supermarkets or online. If you don’t have it, you can use soy sauce or tamari instead, but use less as they are saltier.
- Blend half of the soup: This will make the soup smoother and creamier, while still keeping some chunks of mushrooms for texture. You can use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender for this step.
- Add lemon juice, cream, and parsley at the end: This will add some freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the soup. The cream will make it smoother and silkier. The parsley will add some color and freshness.
Benefits of Mushroom Soup
- Nutrient-Rich: Mushrooms are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making the soup a nutritious choice.
- Low in Calories: Generally, mushroom soup is low in calories, which is beneficial for those monitoring their calorie intake.
- Boosts Immune System: The antioxidants in mushrooms can help strengthen the immune system.
- Fiber Content: Mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
- Heart Health: Ingredients commonly used in mushroom soup, like garlic and onions, are known for their heart-healthy properties.
- Versatile and Adaptable: The recipe can be easily modified to accommodate dietary preferences, such as using plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.
- Comforting and Satisfying: Mushroom soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly days or when you need a cozy meal.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of mushrooms, herbs, and spices offers a rich and savory taste.
- Easy to Make: It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require complex cooking skills, making it accessible to everyone.
- Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for overall health.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mary Berry mushroom soup:
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any mushrooms you like or have on hand. However, I recommend using dark, flat open-gilled mushrooms such as chestnut or portobello mushrooms, as they have more flavor than white button mushrooms.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or microwave it on low power until defrosted. Then heat it up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You may need to add some more milk or stock to thin it out if it’s too thick.
Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this soup vegan or dairy-free by using vegan butter, plant-based milk, vegetable stock, and vegan cream. You can also omit the mushroom ketchup or use a vegan alternative such as soy sauce or tamari.
What can I serve with this soup?
You can serve this soup with some crusty bread or croutons to dip into it. You can also serve it with a green salad or some roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
How can I make this soup more filling?
You can make this soup more filling by adding some cooked chicken, ham, bacon, or cheese to it. You can also add some cooked rice, pasta, quinoa, or barley to it for some extra carbs.
Is mushroom soup good or bad for you?
Mushroom soup can be both nutritious and delicious. It’s typically low in calories and fat, while being high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Mushrooms contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for boosting the immune system and preventing diseases. However, the healthiness of mushroom soup can vary depending on the ingredients used, especially if high amounts of cream or butter are included.
What makes cream of mushroom soup taste better?
Enhancing the taste of the cream of mushroom soup can be achieved by adding a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, thyme, or parsley. A splash of sherry or a sprinkle of nutmeg can add depth to the flavor. Using a mix of different types of mushrooms can also enrich the soup’s earthy tones. Finally, a touch of lemon juice or cream can provide a perfect balance of richness and acidity.
What is the difference between condensed mushroom soup and cream of mushroom soup?
Condensed mushroom soup is a concentrated form of soup that requires the addition of water or milk before serving. It’s thicker and more intense in flavor. Cream of mushroom soup, on the other hand, is ready to eat as is. It has a creamier texture and a more balanced mushroom flavor, suitable for consumption directly or used as a base in recipes.
Is cream of mushroom soup good for you?
Cream of mushroom soup can be a healthy choice, especially if made with fresh ingredients and controlled amounts of cream and butter. Mushrooms offer nutritional benefits, but it’s important to be mindful of the soup’s overall fat and sodium content, especially if it’s a store-bought version. Homemade versions can be tailored to be healthier.
Can you just eat cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom soup can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a starter or a main course. When eating it as a standalone dish, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a side salad to make a more balanced meal.
Can I eat mushroom soup every day?
While mushroom soup can be a healthy addition to your diet, it’s important to have a varied diet for balanced nutrition. Eating mushroom soup every day is generally fine, but make sure to include other types of foods in your meals to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.