Clara's Creamy Mushroom Soup: A Classic & Gluten-Free Delight

Name: Clara's Creamy Mushroom Soup (Classic & Gluten-Free Options)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or 2 additional tbsp olive oil for dairy-free); 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), sliced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for GF); 4 cups vegetable broth (ensure GF if needed); 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk/cashew cream for GF/DF); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

July 9, 2025

Sara

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Hello, wonderful foodies! Today, we're diving into a bowl of pure comfort: Clara's Creamy Mushroom Soup. This isn't just any mushroom soup; it's a recipe designed to be rich, deeply flavorful, and incredibly adaptable – perfect for everyone, including those looking for a fantastic gluten-free option.

There's something uniquely satisfying about a homemade creamy mushroom soup. Its earthy notes and velvety texture make it a staple, whether you're seeking a cozy weeknight meal or an elegant starter for guests. And with my tips, you'll be able to whip up a batch that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.

I'm so excited to share this adaptable recipe that honors both the classic flavors we love and the dietary needs many of us have. So grab your aprons, and let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn't just about making soup; it's about crafting an experience. Here’s why Clara’s Creamy Mushroom Soup will become a regular in your rotation:

Rich & Earthy Flavor: Layers of mushroom goodness, enhanced by a classic roux and aromatic herbs.
Quick & Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, this soup comes together in under an hour with straightforward steps.
Diet-Friendly: Easily convertible to a gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegan masterpiece without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Versatile: Serve it as a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a sophisticated appetizer.

Ready to discover the secrets to a perfect pot of soup? Let’s gather our ingredients and transform them into something truly magical!

Essential Ingredients for Mushroom Soup Success

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple, yet potent, ingredients. Quality matters here, especially when it comes to your star ingredient – the mushrooms!

Mushrooms: A mix of cremini, shiitake, or white button mushrooms offers the best flavor complexity. Feel free to use your favorites or what’s fresh at your market.
Aromatics: Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation, providing depth and warmth.
Fats: A combination of olive oil and unsalted butter (or just olive oil for dairy-free) for sautéing and building a flavorful base.
Thickener: All-purpose flour or a reliable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is key for the roux, which gives the soup its creamy body.
Broth: Vegetable broth is perfect for vegetarian and vegan versions, but chicken broth also works beautifully for a richer taste. Ensure it's gluten-free if needed.
Cream: Heavy cream provides that luxurious, velvety texture. For dairy-free, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream are excellent substitutes.
Seasonings: Dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper are crucial for balancing the flavors. A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten everything up!

Using a good quality, heavy-bottomed pot will ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. And for blending, an immersion blender makes life so much easier – no need to transfer hot soup!

Making it Gluten-Free: A Smooth Transition

For those mindful of gluten, adapting this recipe is wonderfully simple. The core of a creamy soup often relies on a roux to thicken. A traditional roux uses wheat flour, but a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works just as effectively. Look for blends that contain a mix of flours like rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch for the best texture.

Beyond the flour, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free. Many brands offer excellent options. With these two simple swaps, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of mushroom soup that's completely safe and delicious for a gluten-free diet.

If you're looking for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes, you might enjoy my guide on How to Make an Speedy Chicken Bites Garlic Butter Sauce – Clara's Recipes. It's another fantastic dish that proves wholesome cooking can be quick and flavorful.

Step-by-Step: Clara's Creamy Mushroom Soup

Follow these steps closely for a truly outstanding soup. Remember, patience in browning the mushrooms is key to deep flavor!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Clean and thinly slice your mushrooms. Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Measure out your broth, flour (or GF blend), and cream (or dairy-free alternative). Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process smooth.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (or 4 tablespoons of olive oil for dairy-free) over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook, stirring every few minutes, until they release their liquid, and the liquid evaporates. Continue cooking until the mushrooms are nicely browned and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This browning develops rich umami flavors.

Step 5: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend) evenly over the cooked mushrooms and onions. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a light roux. This will thicken your soup.

Step 6: Add Broth & Thyme

Gradually pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, about a cup at a time, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Add the 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 7: Stir in the Cream

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk/cashew cream for dairy-free). Heat gently, but do not allow the soup to boil after adding the cream, as it can curdle.

Step 8: Season and Adjust

Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice can add a lovely brightness and balance the richness.

Step 9: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)

For a smooth, velvety soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend until your desired consistency is reached. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the soup or skip this step entirely.

Step 10: Serve & Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra touch of elegance. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Pairing Suggestions

This creamy mushroom soup is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think about serving it with some crusty garlic bread, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even alongside a hearty sandwich. Another comforting option is to pair it with my recipe for The Ultimate Guide to Garlic Bread Meets Cheese Pasta: Stuffed Loaf Perfection for an ultimate comfort food duo!

Tips for Success & Troubleshooting

Browning is Key: Don't rush the mushroom sautéing process. Allowing them to deeply brown develops the most intense flavor.
No Lumps: When adding flour, sprinkle it evenly and stir constantly. When adding broth, pour gradually while whisking vigorously.
Too Thick/Thin? If your soup is too thick, thin it with a little extra broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce, or make a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it in.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the cream. Add cream when reheating.

I truly hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors, and how easily classic dishes can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. Happy cooking!

FAQs

How can I make this creamy mushroom soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the roux. Ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free as well.

What kind of mushrooms are best for this soup?

A blend of mushrooms offers the best depth of flavor! Cremini (baby bellas), shiitake, and regular white button mushrooms work wonderfully. You can also add dried porcini for an intense umami boost.

Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can add an extra savory, cheesy note.

How long does creamy mushroom soup last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this creamy mushroom soup will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop.

Eldralys Recipes

Clara's Creamy Mushroom Soup: A Classic & Gluten-Free Delight

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Essential Ingredients for Mushroom Soup Success

Making it Gluten-Free: A Smooth Transition