Napa Farmhouse 1885™: Cream of Mushroom Soup (for Zola)

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Cream of Mushroom Soup (for Zola)

A friend of mine is an amazing aesthetician. Sometimes when she has an appointment she leaves her 7 year old daughter with me. Zola and I have amazing chats during these visits...boys, school, friends...I am constantly amazed that she is only 7. The other day we were talking about her favorite and least favorite foods. Mushrooms made both lists. She said, "I don't like mushrooms but I love mushroom soup. Is that weird?"

Actually, it is not weird at all. Personally, I adore mushrooms. But many people, adults and kids, are put off by this item. I think it has more to do with the texture than the taste. So introducing children to mushrooms via a delicious, creamy and velvety soup seems like a perfect plan.

This recipe uses three types of mushrooms but you could use just one, feel free to swap out the ones in the ingredients list for your favorites. This almost vegan version (I use a bit of sweet butter) can be totally vegan by using all olive oil. I use coconut milk instead of cream because I like the lighter taste and I think most kids do too. The point is this is a very forgiving recipe so use what you like (or what you think your children will eat), pair with a big salad and some good bread and dinner (or lunch) is served.

Cream of Mushroom Soup (for Zola)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 shallot, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
8 oz. crimini mushrooms, cleaned
5 oz. baby bella mushrooms, cleaned
5 oz. shiitake mushrooms, cleaned
4 cups mushroom broth (or vegetable) I like the Imagine organic brand
1/2 cup sherry (or white wine)
1 cup coconut milk (from dairy case, not canned)
paprika
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
sea salt
black pepper
1 tbsp white whole wheat flour
1 tbsp sweet (unsalted) butter
1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Add olive oil, shallot and garlic to large stock pot set over medium high heat. Saute for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and saute, stirring frequently for 5 minutes. Add mushroom broth, sherry, coconut milk, 1 tsp paprika, thyme and 1 tsp each salt and pepper to pot. Bring to a soft boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Working in batches, puree soup in blender until very smooth. Pour back into pot and keep heat at simmer. Add flour to a small bowl. Top with a ladleful of soup and whisk until smooth. Slowly whisk flour mixture into soup and stir until combined. Stir in butter. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve in bowls topped with parsley.

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