Discover how to make a delightful Mushroom Soup (Sēņu Zupa) with our easy-to-follow recipe. This creamy, comforting soup is crafted from fresh mushrooms and often features added potatoes and aromatic herbs for a rich, savory flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal, our Mushroom Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Learn the steps to prepare this scrumptious soup and enjoy a hearty dish that's both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients:

- 500g fresh mushrooms, sliced

- 1 large potato, peeled and diced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 liter vegetable or chicken broth

- 200ml heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

  - Clean and slice the mushrooms.

  - Peel and dice the potato.

  - Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Cook the Vegetables:

  - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

  - Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent.

  - Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown.

Add Potatoes and Broth:

  - Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for a few minutes.

  - Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring to a boil.

  - Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Blend the Soup:

  - Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.

Add Cream and Season:

  - Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a regular blender).

  - Stir in the heavy cream and thyme.

  - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup gently until warmed through.

Serve:

  - Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy your homemade Mushroom Soup (Sēņu Zupa) as a comforting starter or a satisfying main course!

Nutritional Values

Mushrooms (500g)

  - Calories: 70

  - Protein: 4g

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Fiber: 3g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants, particularly selenium, which supports immune function.

  - High in B vitamins (B2, B3, and B5) which are essential for energy metabolism.

  - Contains ergothioneine, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation.

Potato (1 large):

  - Calories: 160

  - Protein: 4g

  - Carbohydrates: 37g

  - Fiber: 4g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

  - Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.

  - Contains resistant starch, which can help improve gut health.

Onion (1 large):

  - Calories: 60

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 14g

  - Fiber: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may support heart health and reduce inflammation.

  - Contains vitamin C and B vitamins, which contribute to overall health.

  - May help improve digestion and boost the immune system.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: 10

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

  - May help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

  - Known for its immune-boosting properties.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth (1 liter):

  - Calories: 10-40 (depending on type and brand)

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor with minimal calories.

  - Provides essential minerals and can help with hydration.

Heavy Cream (200ml):

  - Calories: 400

  - Protein: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Fat: 40g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.

  - Source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 240

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Fat: 27g

Benefits:

  - Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health.

  - Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols.

Thyme (1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh):

  - Calories: 2

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Contains antioxidants and vitamins that support immune function.

  - May have antimicrobial properties and aid in digestion.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish):

  - Calories: 5 per tablespoon

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support overall health.

  - Contains antioxidants and can aid in digestion.

This nutrient-rich soup is not only delicious but also provides a variety of health benefits from its wholesome ingredients.