Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I am one of those holiday-loving types that starts listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving dinner hits the table...I just can't get enough. And there's something about having a little one that puts my excitement into overdrive. My tree is up, the kitchen is warm, and my heart is so happy.

With that comes a recipe that I think everyone can use around the holidays, cream of mushroom soup! The canned version is not an option for us gluten-free folks, so here is a delicious alternative that I know your family will love.

I will say that this recipe is a bit labor intensive, but it makes a lot. I split it in half after it's done and use it in two separate dishes. So here goes!

1/4 cup butter
2- 8 oz. packages sliced mushrooms

2/3 cup shallots (or onions), chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/2 tsp fresh thyme

2 cups gluten-free chicken broth

1 1/3 cups half & half

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar


Directions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onions, garlic and thyme. Season with the salt and pepper. Cook for 5-10 minutes until veggies are softened.
2. Add in the flour and stir until completely combined. Let this cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth stirring constantly until it begins to thicken. Cook for 3-5 minutes and then remove from the heat and allow it cool slightly. Reserve 1/2 cup of the soup and pour the remaining soup into a food processor or blender and blend. Return to saucepan with the reserved 1/2 cup of soup.
4. Add half & half and cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Splash in the vinegar and adjust seasoning to taste!

At this point, you could serve and eat immediately. Or, allow it to cool completely, divide it into two portions and refrigerate.

Tips & Substitutions
This recipe is so versatile and forgiving. You can use any kind of mushroom you like, whatever onions you have on hand, dried thyme instead of fresh and you could use sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar at the end.

Happy Holidays!