Imagine a soup so rich, so deeply flavored, that it'll make you forget you're eating a vegan dish. This Caramelized Onion and Portobello Mushroom Soup is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of taste and texture. With its deep golden caramelized onions, meaty portobello mushrooms, and a hint of balsamic complexity, this soup promises to be your new go-to comfort food that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 8 ounces portobello mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Thinly slice the two large onions and set them aside. Slice the portobello mushrooms and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the pot.
- Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. You want them to be a deep golden brown. If they start to stick to the bottom of the pot, you can add a splash of vegetable broth to deglaze.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced portobello mushrooms to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle in the teaspoon of thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, stir in the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity and depth of flavor. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup, depending on your preference.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired. Enjoy your Vegan Caramelized Onion and Portobello Mushroom Soup!
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions - low and slow is the secret to achieving that rich, sweet flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- For extra depth, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding broth.
- If you want a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup or add a splash of plant-based cream.
- Fresh thyme can elevate the flavor profile, so use it if you have it available.
- Don't rush the simmering process - letting the soup develop its flavors is crucial.
- Serve with a crusty bread or vegan croutons for added texture and enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
