Velouté de Champignons à la Crème
Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of traditional French cuisine with this exquisite Velouté de Champignons à la Crème. This velvety mushroom soup captures the essence of France’s culinary artistry, bringing a delicate balance of flavors to your table. Perfect for chilly evenings or as an elegant starter, this recipe highlights the natural umami of mushrooms, enhanced by creamy textures and aromatic herbs.
“A velouté is not just a soup; it’s a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate.”
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) mixed wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and cremini
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (about 1 tablespoon)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Truffle oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Mushrooms: Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel. Slice them into uniform pieces.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, approximately 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer with Stock: Pour in the stock, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it cook gently for about 20 minutes.
Blend the Soup: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender.
Add Cream: Return the soup to the pot (if using a regular blender) and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently over low heat, being careful not to boil.
Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in fresh thyme leaves. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a drizzle of truffle oil for added luxury.
This Velouté de Champignons à la Crème is the epitome of French elegance on your dinner table. Its creamy texture and deep mushroom flavor will transport you to a cozy Parisian bistro. Perfect as an appetizer or paired with crusty bread, this soup is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every spoonful of this rich, comforting classic!
