Zagorje Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed mushrooms (porcini, button, shiitake) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed mushrooms (porcini, button, shiitake)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream, for garnish Sour cream, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving Crusty bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mushrooms and slice them into thin pieces.
2. 2.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. 4.
   In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir continuously until a roux forms.
5. 5.
   Gradually pour the vegetable broth into the pot with the mushrooms, stirring well.
6. 6.
   Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Stir in the roux to thicken the soup. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly.
9. 9.
   Serve the Zagorje Mushroom Soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream. Accompany with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp cloth or a soft brush to remove any dirt. Avoid washing them as they can become waterlogged and lose their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the roux.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms to add depth of flavor to the soup.
• Add a splash of white wine during the cooking process for an extra layer of complexity.
• Serve the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
• To make the soup more filling, add cooked pasta or rice before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Zagorje Mushroom Soup hot in individual bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Accompany the soup with slices of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Zagorje Mushroom Soup in rustic ceramic bowls to highlight its traditional roots. Garnish each bowl with a swirl of sour cream and a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley. Serve the soup alongside a basket of warm crusty bread for an inviting presentation.