This hearty Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With creamy cottage cheese and tasty mushrooms, it’s both filling and nourishing.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just blend, heat, and enjoy. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you want something comforting without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mushrooms: Cremini and button mushrooms work well here, but you can use shiitake or portobello for a deeper flavor. If you prefer, canned mushrooms are a quick alternative—just drain them well.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness. If you’re in a hurry, shallots could be a great substitute. For a milder taste, green onions or leeks can work too!
Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese is key for texture. If you want a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until smooth. It offers a similar creaminess without the dairy.
Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, but chicken broth adds extra richness. Use a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake!
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely flavor, but dried thyme is a good substitute. Just remember that 1 tsp of dried thyme is equivalent to 1 tbsp of fresh thyme. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano can give a nice twist!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor Out of My Mushrooms?
Cooking mushrooms is all about bringing out their natural flavors. After sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure to let the mushrooms release their moisture fully. Look for that slightly browned appearance, which amplifies their taste!
- Heat your pot on medium; don’t overcrowd the mushrooms to avoid steaming them.
- Cook them for 7-8 minutes until they shrink in size and start to brown. This step is crucial for that rich, earthy flavor.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 cups mushrooms (such as cremini or button), sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably creamy)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Pot:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Let it get warm but not smoking. This will give the soup a great base flavor!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot. Sauté it until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and sweet but not browned.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release their moisture and start to brown slightly, which deepens their flavor.
5. Season with Thyme:
Sprinkle in the thyme (dried or fresh) and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for another minute to bring out the herb’s flavor.
6. Add the Broth:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This will let all the flavors mingle beautifully!
7. Blend the Soup:
Use a blender or an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth or your desired consistency is reached. If you prefer your soup more chunky, feel free to blend just part of it or skip this step altogether!
8. Stir in Cottage Cheese:
Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Now, stir in the cottage cheese and mix until it’s well incorporated and heated through, which should take about 3-5 minutes. If you want it creamier, this is the time to add the milk or cream!
9. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to add salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Give it a little taste test to make sure it’s just right!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious soup hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley. Pair it with some toasted bread or crackers for a complete meal!
This comforting soup is creamy and full of flavor from the cottage cheese and mushrooms. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish!
Can I Use Low-Fat or Non-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that it may not be as creamy as the regular version. For a richer taste and texture, opt for creamy cottage cheese if possible!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, carrots, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so all the vegetables are tender and flavorful.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if needed to bring back the creaminess and make sure to heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
This soup can be frozen, but the texture of the cottage cheese may change once thawed. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
