Cream Of Something Soup Recipe

Cream of Something Soup-whether it’s cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery-has long been a cozy, comforting staple in many kitchens. It’s that velvety, rich concoction that hits the spot when you want something warm, smooth, and indulgent. It’s also versatile, serving as a great base for casseroles or just as a hearty bowl of soup to enjoy on its own. Plus, making it from scratch rather than relying on canned versions elevates it to a whole new level. You can control the ingredients, adjust seasonings to your liking, and enjoy the freshness that comes with homemade soup.

Not only is cream of something soup delicious, but it’s also a true testament to the power of simplicity in cooking. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that feels luxurious but doesn’t require a ton of effort. So, if you’ve been eyeing those canned soups in the store but want to make your own, keep reading. I’ve got an easy, customizable recipe and all the details you need to make your own version at home!

Cream Of Something Soup Recipe

This is a basic ’cream of’ soup recipe, which can be customized depending on the base ingredient you choose. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfectly balanced. You can tweak it to suit your preferences, whether you like it extra herby, spicy, or with a richer flavor.

Ingredients Needed

For a basic homemade cream of something soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter (2 tablespoons): The foundation for any creamy soup. It adds flavor and helps sauté the vegetables or base ingredient.
• Flour (3 tablespoons): This acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its signature velvety texture.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth (2 cups): This provides depth and flavor to the soup. You can use either, depending on whether you want a vegetarian option or not.
• Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds richness to the soup. You can use half-and-half or heavy cream if you want it extra indulgent.
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or bay leaves – optional): These add a touch of fragrance and extra flavor to your soup.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. You can also adjust this depending on your taste preferences.
• Base ingredient (like mushrooms, chicken, celery, or onions – about 1-2 cups): This is the heart of your “cream of something” soup. Each ingredient will bring its own unique taste to the dish.

Cooking Instructions

Making homemade cream of something soup is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps:

1. Sauté The Base Ingredient

   • Heat a medium-sized pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Add your base ingredient (mushrooms, chicken, etc.) and sauté until softened and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using mushrooms, allow them to release their moisture and cook down. If you’re using chicken, make sure it’s cooked through and shredded before adding to the soup.

2. Make The Roux

   • Sprinkle the flour over the cooked base ingredient. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken your soup.

3. Add Broth

   • Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to break up any clumps of flour. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.

4. Add Milk

   • Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to stir. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Season And Finish

   • Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you desire, such as thyme, garlic powder, or a dash of nutmeg. If you like a bit of tang, a squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice contrast.

6. Blend For Extra Smoothness (optional)

   • If you want an ultra-smooth, creamy texture, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Be careful with hot liquids! If blending, let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splashing.

7. Serve

   • Once the soup has thickened and is seasoned to your liking, remove it from the heat. Ladle it into bowls and serve immediately with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive deeper into the ingredients that give your soup its character:

• Butter: A good-quality butter is key here. It helps build the flavor right from the start and gives the soup its rich, creamy base. Don’t skimp on the butter; it’s what makes the soup so indulgent.
• Flour: This is the thickening agent. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use rice flour or cornstarch. Just make sure to adjust the amounts accordingly since these alternatives are usually stronger thickeners than regular wheat flour.
• Broth: This is where the savory depth comes from. Chicken broth is traditional for non-vegetarian versions, but vegetable broth can be used for a lighter, vegetarian alternative. Broth adds more flavor than just using water and allows your soup to taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
• Milk: Whole milk provides the richest flavor and the creamiest texture. But if you want a lighter version, you can substitute with low-fat milk or even plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy). Just keep in mind that plant-based milks won’t add the same richness, but they can still provide a nice creamy consistency.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can bring out beautiful layers of flavor, adding complexity to a relatively simple soup. You can also experiment with garlic or onion powder for a more aromatic experience.
• Base Ingredient: Mushrooms are the classic choice for a cream of mushroom soup, but you could also use leeks, carrots, or even roasted tomatoes. Whatever you choose, it will change the flavor profile. For instance, chicken adds heartiness, while celery adds a more delicate, herbal note.

Expert Tips

• Adjust the thickness: If your soup is too thick, simply add a bit more broth or milk to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer or add a bit more flour.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables always elevate the taste of homemade soup. Try to avoid using pre-packaged dried herbs or canned ingredients, which often lack the brightness of fresh produce.
• Enhance the creaminess: For an even creamier soup, you can blend a portion of it after cooking. Alternatively, you can add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Play with textures: If you prefer some texture in your soup, don’t blend all of it. Leave some of the base ingredient chunky for a bit of bite.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations you can try depending on what you’re in the mood for:

• Cream of Mushroom: Use 2 cups of finely chopped mushrooms and follow the recipe as written. Mushrooms provide an earthy, umami flavor that is perfect for this type of soup.
• Cream of Chicken: Use cooked chicken (either shredded rotisserie or boiled chicken breast). Add some cooked onion and garlic to enhance the flavor.
• Cream of Celery: Perfect if you want something lighter. Use finely chopped celery and sauté it with a bit of garlic for added depth. You could even add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a refreshing touch.
• Vegan Cream of Something Soup: Substitute butter for olive oil, use plant-based milk (like oat or almond), and vegetable broth. Use mushrooms, carrots, or cauliflower as the base ingredient.
• Spicy Cream of Something: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give your soup a bit of heat. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of sriracha for extra spice.

Final Words

Homemade cream of something soup is the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home in the kitchen. It’s customizable, comforting, and can easily be tweaked to suit your taste. With just a few pantry staples and a little attention, you can have a rich and creamy soup that’s way better than anything you’ll find in a can.

So, next time you’re craving that velvety goodness, why not give this recipe a try? It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and most importantly, it’s a recipe that brings comfort to your soul with every spoonful.