Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Soup With Crisp Cheese Croutons

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 1
Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Soup With Crisp Cheese Croutons - A Creamy Delight to Warm Your Belly
in Soup

Prep

20 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

70 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
3 leeks , white and light green parts only , finely sliced
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
4 cups sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons brandy , Cognac or 2 tablespoons sherry wine
6 cups chicken stock ( preferably low sodium ) or 6 cups vegetable stock ( preferably low sodium )
1/4 baguette , cut into 1/2-inch cubes , about 2 cups
2 tablespoons butter , melted
1/2 cup hard sharp cheddar cheese , finely shredded

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
387
Sugar
7g
Fat
22g
During the cold months, nothing warms you up like a bowl of soup. Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Soup With Crisp Cheese Croutons is a perfect meal to enjoy during these freezing times. This soup is rich and creamy, with a depth of flavor that comes from the caramelized leeks and mushrooms. It is a perfect balance between sweet and savory, complemented by the crispy cheese croutons that top it. The combination of the earthy flavor of the mushrooms and the sweet caramelized leeks, along with the cheesy goodness, is nothing short of delightful. So, if you are looking for a delicious bowl of comfort food to warm you up from head to toe, why not give this hearty soup a try?

Instructions

1.Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2.Add the leeks to the pot and sprinkle with brown sugar, cooking until the leeks are soft and caramelized.
3.Stir in the sliced mushrooms and thyme, cooking until the mushrooms are soft.
4.Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then pour in the brandy or sherry, cooking until the alcohol has evaporated.
5.Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
6.While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and mix the melted butter and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.
7.Toss the bread cubes in the butter and cheese mixture, spreading them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
8.Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
9.Once the soup has simmered for 25-30 minutes, remove from heat and puree until smooth using an immersion blender or transferring to a standard blender in batches.
10.Adjust seasoning to taste and serve each bowl of soup with a generous handful of crispy cheese croutons. Enjoy!

PROS

This soup is rich, creamy, and filling, making it a perfect winter meal.

The caramelized leeks add natural sweetness, which complements the earthy flavor of the mushrooms perfectly.

The crispy cheese croutons add texture and cheesy goodness, making a perfect topping for the soup.

CONS

The soup is on the heavier side, making it less suitable for hot summer days.

The recipe requires a bit of prep time, as the leeks and mushrooms need to be caramelized before adding the liquids.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Leeks are a great source of vitamin K, which is essential for proper blood clotting.
They also contain a good amount of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
Mushrooms are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great ingredient for weight management.
They also contain essential nutrients such as vitamin D, iron, and potassium.

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