Green beans and mushroom soup is one of those comforting dishes that perfectly straddles the line between a hearty side and a creamy main course. It’s rich, earthy, and always satisfying. If you’re familiar with the classic casserole-style versions often served during holiday dinners, then you already know the magic this combination can bring. But let’s take it a step further-think of this recipe as a more refined, flavorful take on that beloved dish, one that’s versatile enough for any occasion.
Not only does this recipe bring together two delicious ingredients, but it also allows for some creativity in how you prepare it. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special gathering, or just something cozy for yourself, this dish can be tailored to fit a wide range of palates and dietary preferences. So let’s dive in and explore how to make this delightful meal from scratch.
Green Beans And Mushroom Soup Recipe
This homemade green beans and mushroom soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh with a punch of umami from the mushrooms and a satisfying crunch from the green beans. You can make this recipe in under an hour, and it’s just as good served on a chilly day as it is at your holiday table.
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh Green Beans – 1 lb (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Mushrooms – 2 cups (button or cremini, thinly sliced)
- Onion – 1 medium (diced)
- Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)
- Butter – 3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
- All-purpose Flour – 2 tablespoons (for thickening)
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth – 4 cups (low-sodium preferred)
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup (for richness)
- Thyme – 1 teaspoon (fresh or dried)
- Bay Leaves – 1 or 2 (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt & Pepper – to taste
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
- Lemon Juice – a squeeze (optional, to add a fresh, zesty note)
- Parmesan Cheese – grated (optional, for a savory finishing touch)
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Ingredients
Start by trimming the green beans and cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Slice the mushrooms, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped makes the process much quicker and smoother.
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Sauté The Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and onions, sautéing them until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Create The Base
Push the mushrooms and onions to the side of the pot. In the empty space, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the flour to make a roux (a thickening paste). Let it cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring occasionally.
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Add The Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, ensuring the flour and broth combine well to create a thickened soup base.
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Cook The Green Beans
Add the green beans and thyme to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still have a little bite.
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Stir In The Cream
Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow it to heat through, then taste for seasoning. Add salt, pepper, and even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
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Final Touches
If you’re using bay leaves, remove them at this stage. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to bring a sharp, salty flavor to the dish.
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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with a little extra Parmesan if desired.
Ingredient Insights
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide a crisp texture and vibrant flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup base. They are also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin C, folate, and potassium. If you don’t have fresh green beans on hand, frozen can be a suitable substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are the unsung heroes of this recipe. They provide a savory, umami-rich flavor that deepens the soup’s complexity. Whether you choose button, cremini, or even portobello mushrooms, their earthy notes complement the beans perfectly. Plus, mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and vitamins like B2, B5, and selenium.
- Heavy Cream: The creamy texture of this dish is largely attributed to the heavy cream. It gives the soup its luxurious feel, making it both satisfying and indulgent. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you could swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Expert Tips
- Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different types of mushrooms for added depth. Shiitake, oyster, or maitake mushrooms can add a more robust flavor, so feel free to mix and match depending on what you have available.
- Blanch the Green Beans: If you prefer your green beans to retain a bit more texture, you can blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the soup. This will keep them crisp-tender and vibrant.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon can bring a burst of freshness to this creamy soup. Stir them in just before serving to maintain their flavor.
- Make It a Meal: Turn this soup into a heartier meal by adding diced chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon for some protein. You could also stir in some cooked rice or pasta for extra substance.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Make this recipe vegan by substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and using a plant-based butter alternative. Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish entirely plant-based.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken the soup. Simply whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water, then add it to the soup as it simmers.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re someone who loves a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic. The spice will elevate the soup and add another layer of flavor.
Final Words
This green beans and mushroom soup recipe is one of those dishes that can quickly become a family favorite. It’s a wonderful combination of textures and flavors, from the smooth, creamy base to the tender-crisp green beans and the savory mushrooms. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable-whether you want to tweak the richness, swap in some different veggies, or throw in some protein, it’s all about making this dish your own. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or even meal prep for the week ahead.