Laura Smith
Cream of mushroom soup is a beloved classic, but is it vegan? The answer is yes, and it's surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes, you can create a creamy, velvety, and decadent vegan cream of mushroom soup that's perfect for a comforting bowl or as a base for casseroles and pasta. The key to achieving that signature creaminess lies in blending a portion of the soup with ingredients like cashews, soy milk, or coconut milk. This soup is not only delicious but also nutrient-dense and low in calories, making it a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Whether you're a vegan or an omnivore, this vegan cream of mushroom soup is sure to impress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to make | 20-30 minutes |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, onions, garlic, flour, vegetable broth, coconut milk, thyme, salt, pepper, nutmeg, vegan butter, oil, vegetable stock, xanthan gum, soy milk, potato, baby spinach, Worcestershire sauce, raw cashews, white wine, tarragon, milk, boiled water, vegetable bouillon powder, black pepper, sea salt, almond milk, onion powder, cornstarch, olive oil |
| Dietary restrictions | Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free |
| Recipe yield | 3 cups of soup |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cream of mushroom soup is creamy without containing dairy
Vegan cream of mushroom soup is a delicious, creamy, and dairy-free dish that is surprisingly easy to make. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. The soup is also perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.
The key to achieving a creamy texture without dairy lies in the ingredients and techniques used. Firstly, vegan butter or oil is melted in a pan, and onions, garlic, and mushrooms are sautéed until softened and browned. This forms the flavour base of the soup. Then, flour is added and cooked briefly to thicken the soup and eliminate any raw flour taste.
The next step is where the creaminess comes in. Vegetable broth or stock is added, along with a creamy plant-based milk like soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Coconut milk, in particular, adds a rich and silky texture to the soup. To enhance the creaminess further, some recipes call for blending a portion of the soup with raw cashews, which gives an incredibly creamy and rich mouthfeel. This blended portion is then added back to the soup, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency.
The soup is then seasoned with thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and sometimes enhanced with ingredients like white wine, soy sauce, miso paste, or tarragon. The variety of mushrooms used also contributes to the depth of flavour and texture of the soup. Shiitake, oyster, maitake, and baby bella mushrooms are popular choices for their earthy and meaty flavours.
Vegan cream of mushroom soup is a comforting and decadent dish that proves that dairy is not necessary to achieve a creamy and indulgent soup. With simple ingredients and techniques, anyone can create a delicious vegan soup that rivals any traditional cream-based recipe.
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It is made with simple, plant-based ingredients
Cream of mushroom soup is a versatile dish that can be made vegan with simple, plant-based ingredients. It is a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or used as a base for casseroles, pasta, and other recipes. The vegan version of this soup is creamy, velvety, and full of flavour, thanks to the combination of plant-based ingredients.
The key ingredient in this soup is, of course, mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms add varying textures and a meaty depth of flavour to the soup. Different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, maitake, and baby bella mushrooms, can be used to enhance the taste and texture. Additionally, dried mushrooms can be briefly soaked in water to create a mushroom stock, adding even more savoury flavour to the soup.
To make the soup creamy without using dairy, several plant-based alternatives can be used. Coconut milk adds a rich and silky texture, while also providing a subtle and addictive creamy flavour. Soy milk, almond milk, or other plant-based milk alternatives can also be used as the base liquid for the soup, providing a similar creamy consistency.
Vegan butter is another optional ingredient that adds richness and helps to sauté the mushrooms. However, it can be substituted with oil or simply omitted, as the mushrooms release enough water to prevent sticking. Onions, garlic, and spices such as thyme, tarragon, and black pepper are also commonly used to enhance the flavour and aroma of the soup.
To thicken the soup, flour or cornstarch can be added. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup a creamy consistency. Alternatively, arrowroot starch or flour can be used as a substitute for cornstarch. Blending a portion of the soup, along with raw cashews, is another technique to achieve a creamy and smooth texture.
Overall, vegan cream of mushroom soup is a simple and delicious dish that can be made with easily attainable, plant-based ingredients. It is a versatile recipe that can be tailored to individual preferences and dietary restrictions, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for anyone.
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It is a versatile base for other recipes
Cream of mushroom soup is a versatile base for other recipes. It can be used as a standalone dish or as a condensed soup for casseroles. For instance, it can be used to make vegan green bean casserole, pasta, and even gravy or sauce. It can also be used as a base for a bechamel sauce for casseroles.
The soup can be paired with cooked white beans, dressed with olive oil, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper, to add some protein. It is also a great soup to serve as a side dish for holiday dinners, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, or any kind of dinner party.
The soup can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for up to 5-6 days or frozen for later use. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or a holiday meal, as it is a crowd-pleaser and can be adapted to suit various dietary restrictions.
The soup can also be adapted to create different textures and flavors. For a silkier and smoother soup, a portion of the soup can be blended with raw cashews, and mushroom stock can be added for enhanced savoriness. Additionally, different varieties of mushrooms can be used to add varying textures and flavors to the soup.
Cream of mushroom soup is a versatile and adaptable recipe that can be used as a base for a variety of dishes or enjoyed on its own. It is a great option for those seeking a comforting, delicious, and nutritious meal that can be tailored to their preferences and dietary needs.
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It is quick and easy to make
Making cream of mushroom soup from scratch is a quick and easy process. The recipe is simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time. The soup can be made vegan by substituting vegan butter for regular butter and using plant-based milk or coconut milk instead of dairy milk or cream.
To make the soup, start by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. You can use vegan butter or regular butter, depending on your preference. Once the butter is melted, add in your mushrooms. You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, maitake, or button mushrooms, to add different textures and flavors to the soup. Cook the mushrooms until they are soft and have released their liquids, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Next, add in your aromatics. Sauté some onions, garlic, and optionally, shallots, until they are soft and fragrant. This should only take a few minutes. You can also add some white wine at this stage and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Then, it's time to thicken the soup. Sprinkle in some flour and stir it into the mushroom mixture. Cook this for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Now, slowly pour in your choice of milk, whether it be dairy or plant-based, and stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. You can also add some vegetable broth at this stage for extra flavor.
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some dried tarragon, thyme, nutmeg, or other seasonings of your choice. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to thicken it slightly. And that's it! Your creamy and delicious mushroom soup is now ready to be served.
This homemade cream of mushroom soup is a quick, easy, and flavorful alternative to the canned version. It can be made vegan with simple ingredient substitutions, and you can customize it with different types of mushrooms and seasonings to make it your own. Enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal or impress your guests with this secretly simple dish.
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It can be served as a main or side dish
Cream of mushroom soup is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. As a main, it is a comforting and filling option for lunch or a light dinner. It pairs well with toasted bread, such as French bread or whole grain bread, and a simple green salad on the side. For added protein, cooked white beans dressed with olive oil, lemon zest, and spices can be a tasty addition.
When served as a side, this soup complements holiday dinners, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, or dinner parties. It can be paired with a variety of salads, such as a kale and Brussels sprouts salad or a roasted butternut squash kale salad, for a gourmet soup and salad pairing.
The soup's versatility also extends to its use as a base for other dishes. Its creamy texture and earthy flavour make it an ideal ingredient for casseroles, pasta sauces, and more. It can be used as a gravy or sauce, and it is especially versatile in vegan cooking, where it can be a gluten-free and dairy-free option.
Whether served as a main or side dish, cream of mushroom soup offers a warm and delicious experience, providing comfort and nourishment in every bowl.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cream of mushroom soup can be made vegan. It is usually dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
The main ingredients are mushrooms, vegetable broth, and some kind of plant milk like coconut milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
It is a quick and easy recipe that usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes to make.
It can be served with a slice of toasted bread or a simple green salad on the side.
Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture will be slightly different.
