Description
Hearty wild mushroom, caramelized onion, and kale soup brings forest-inspired comfort to winter tables. Rich earthy flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this nourishing culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) wild mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or oyster), sliced
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable or chicken broth
Base and Aromatic Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for vegan)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Pinch of salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Crusty bread or croutons
- Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Transform sliced onions into a rich, golden delicacy by gently sautéing them in olive oil over low heat. Sprinkle a delicate pinch of salt and optional sugar to enhance caramelization, stirring periodically until they develop a deep amber hue and silky texture. This process requires patience, taking approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare a large pot and melt butter, creating a fragrant base by sautéing minced garlic until its aroma fills the kitchen. Introduce wild mushrooms, complementing them with earthy thyme and smoky paprika. Allow the mushrooms to dance and brown, developing intense flavors through occasional stirring.
- Deglaze the pot with white wine, capturing every concentrated morsel from the pan’s surface. Let the liquid simmer briefly, releasing its aromatic essence and creating a complex flavor foundation.
- Incorporate the previously caramelized onions and vegetable broth into the mushroom mixture. Gently bring the liquid to a soft simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a harmonious profile for approximately 10 minutes.
- Introduce robust kale, letting it gracefully wilt and become tender within the soup’s warm embrace. The leafy green will soften and integrate its nutritional richness into the developing broth.
- Optional creamy enhancement can be achieved by stirring in heavy cream or coconut milk during the final moments of cooking. Carefully season with salt and freshly ground pepper to elevate the soup’s overall taste.
- Present the soup in warm bowls, garnishing with crusty bread, freshly grated Parmesan, or delicate parsley sprigs. The final touch transforms this rustic soup into an elegant culinary experience.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning, creating a rich foundation for the soup.
- Choose a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or porcini for complex, earthy undertones that elevate the soup’s depth.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture and adds subtle tropical notes.
- Reduce cooking time for kale to preserve its vibrant green color and prevent nutrient loss, aiming for a tender yet slightly crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg