1-How to Prepare the Perfect Cream Of Mushroom Soup: Follow this straightforward guide to whip up a delicious cream of mushroom soup that’s rich and silky. Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste, and cook for 2 minutes until softened. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the soup.

2-Next, add half of the 1½ pounds of mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Then, add the remaining mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes to ensure even browning. Stir in the 2 cloves of grated garlic, followed by the ¼ cup of dry white wine, 3 cups of vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of tamari or soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.

3-Cover and simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Allow the soup to cool slightly, then transfer two-thirds of it to a blender and blend until smooth. Stir the pureed soup back into the pot with the remaining chunky soup. For a richer version, stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream or creme fraîche and cook for 2 more minutes to warm through.

4-Final Touches and Serving: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve topped with fresh parsley and additional fresh thyme. This step-by-step process, with attention to cooking in batches, ensures a creamy texture that’s effortless and tasty. It’s perfect for home cooks looking to impress with minimal effort.