Description
Hearty Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup invites comfort with its rich, savory depths and golden cheesy toasties. Crisp bacon crumbles crown this French-inspired classic, promising warmth and satisfaction in each luxurious spoonful you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 500 g (1 lb) mushrooms, sliced (use a mix like cremini, shiitake, and button)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough or baguette work well)
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
Dairy and Seasoning:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons butter, for spreading
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
Aromatics and Condiments:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious pot over gentle heat, creating a luscious base for the caramelization process.
- Introduce thinly sliced onions to the melted fat, seasoning with a delicate sprinkle of salt to enhance flavor development.
- Tenderly manipulate the onions with intermittent stirring, allowing them to transform into a rich, amber-hued treasure over approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Gradually decrease the heat if onions begin to brown too quickly, ensuring a slow, even caramelization that develops deep, sweet undertones.
- Monitor the onion’s progression, watching for a golden, silky texture that indicates perfect caramelization, with edges turning a deep, mahogany-like color.
- Maintain a patient approach, resisting the urge to rush the process, as slow cooking allows natural sugars to emerge and create an intensely flavorful foundation for the soup.
Notes
- Slice onions uniformly to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning during the long cooking process.
- Keep heat low and stir occasionally to develop rich, sweet flavor without scorching the onions.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or white wine during caramelization to enhance depth and complexity of the onion’s natural sweetness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or roasted mushroom chips to maintain a rich, smoky flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg