Preparing Cream of Mushroom Soup: First, heat some butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter melts, let the aroma fill the kitchen. Once the butter is melted, toss in your chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. (Time taken: 4 minutes)
Sautéing the Mushrooms: Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden brown and have released their moisture. The mushrooms will shrink as they cook and give off a savory, earthy fragrance. (Time taken: 7 minutes)
Making the Soup Base: Once the mushrooms are perfectly sautéed, sprinkle in some flour to create a roux. Stir it well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. As the flour cooks, it will begin to thicken the soup. (Time taken: 2 minutes)
Adding Liquid: Now, gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Once the broth is added, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As it simmers, the soup will start to thicken, and the flavors will blend together beautifully. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Blending the Soup: After the soup has simmered for a few minutes, it's time to blend it. If you have an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If not, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until silky smooth. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Finishing Touches: Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream to create that luxurious, creamy texture. Let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens up further and becomes velvety. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. (Time taken: 3 minutes)
Serving the Soup: Once your soup is perfectly creamy and seasoned to your liking, ladle it into bowls. You can garnish with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a few croutons for some extra crunch. (Time taken: 2 minutes)
Total Time: In total, it will take about 28 minutes from start to finish to make a rich and creamy bowl of Cream of Mushroom Soup that is sure to impress. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting, savory delight!