Creamy Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

In the original Croatian recipe, the Juha od suhih gljiva is typically made with local Croatian mushrooms and traditional European spices. However, in this adapted version for Christmas Island cuisine, we incorporate island spices to give the soup a tropical twist. Additionally, we use dried mushrooms commonly found on the island, adding a unique flavor profile to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Juha od suhih gljiva, so you can check it out.

• 30g (1 oz) dried mushrooms 30g (1 oz) dried mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 400ml (1 ¾ cups) coconut milk 400ml (1 ¾ cups) coconut milk
• 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 17g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain and chop them.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, cumin, and coriander to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Creamy Mushroom Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried mushrooms — Make sure to soak the mushrooms in warm water before using them in the recipe. This will help rehydrate them and enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut cream to the soup before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Experiment with different types of dried mushrooms to vary the flavor of the soup.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or toasted coconut flakes for added texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Mushroom Soup as a starter for an island-inspired meal. It pairs well with fresh seafood dishes or grilled vegetables. Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh herbs for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Creamy Mushroom Soup, serve it in individual bowls and drizzle a swirl of coconut milk on top. Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs and a pinch of turmeric for a pop of color. Serve with a slice of lime on the side for a tangy twist.