My mum was extolling the virtues of mushrooms soup and how much she loves it, so good daughter that I am, I make some mushroom soup for her next visit. Sods law steps in and mum breaks her glasses, so her trip is cancelled and instead she makes a pricey visit the opticians. Not knowing when we would see her next, Graham and I did the noble thing and tucked into the soup ourselves. I wouldn't say it is my favourite soup, but heck it was rather good.

Rich Mushroom Soup

1 tbsp olive oil,
a small knob of butter
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
5 large portabello mushrooms, sliced
15 medium closed cup mushrooms
1 heaped tsp dried thyme
1 heaped tsp dried parsley
2 tbsp plain flour
½ glass white wine
2 pints vegetable stock
a splosh of single cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large pan, saute the garlic and portabello mushrooms in the olive oil and butter. Saute for a few minutes before adding the closed cup mushrooms. I like to season the mushrooms at this point with black pepper as they really soak up the flavour.

Once the mushrooms are lovely and juicy and brown, reserve a few to serve as a garnish on top of the soup.

Next add the herbs. If you have fresh herbs, then so much the better, but this was a bit of a store cupboard soup for me.

Pour in the wine and allow the mushrooms to start absorbing the liquid. Stir in the flour which will absorb the juices from the mushrooms and help to thicken the soup.

Next, add the stock and leave the soup to simmer gently for 20 minutes.

Whizz the soup until smooth and season to taste before adding a splosh of cream. This is optional and it is up to you how much you would like to add.

Serve topped with some of the reserved mushrooms

Serves 4-6

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