📖 Instructions

1. First, gather your mise en place. Wash and chop one large onion, two cloves of garlic, and 1 pound of cremini mushrooms. Remember, prepping before you cook makes the whole experience so much less stressful! Unless you enjoy a chaotic kitchen, like I sometimes do...
2. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Don’t burn it! This is a common mistake. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Now add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. That delightful aroma is a great sign that things are on the right track. Now you’re doing great!
4. Add the chopped mushrooms to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly— about 8-10 minutes. It might seem long, but this step really develops the depth of flavor. Trust me!
5. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer). Add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Mmmm…delicious already!
6. Remove the thyme sprigs before blending. If using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Otherwise, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches (and let it cool slightly to avoid burns!).
7. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go! The magic of cooking is adjusting and making it truly your own.
8. Serve hot, garnished with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a few extra thyme sprigs. The presentation is important; a little extra effort will make your guests feel extra special. You've got this!