Double Umami Mushroom Soup

Introduction

Double Umami Mushroom Soup is an exquisite, savory dish that brings deep, rich flavors to your bowl with every spoonful. The combination of earthy mushrooms and the savory kick of miso creates a double-layered umami experience that’s as satisfying as it is warming. This soup is perfect for chilly days, offering comfort with its velvety texture and comforting depth of flavor.

I remember the first time I made this soup on a cold winter evening. As the mushrooms simmered and the miso added that extra richness, my kitchen was filled with the most inviting aroma. When I tasted it, I was amazed at how the mushrooms and miso melded together, creating a flavor profile that was both comforting and complex. It’s one of those dishes that instantly makes you feel cozy and content.

What I love most about Double Umami Mushroom Soup is its versatility. Whether you’re a die-hard mushroom fan or someone looking for a plant-based, hearty meal, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s also a fantastic way to warm up and feel nourished after a long day. The best part? It’s easy to make, so you can enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness anytime. If you’re looking to add something new and deeply satisfying to your recipe rotation, this soup is the perfect addition!

Perfect for:

• Cozy winter meals
• Vegan and vegetarian diets
• A light but filling lunch or dinner
• Comforting, savory flavors
• Entertaining guests with something unique

Why You’ll Love This Double Umami Mushroom Soup

Here’s why Double Umami Mushroom Soup will win you over:

• Rich and Savory Flavor: The combination of earthy mushrooms and the deep umami of miso creates a rich, savory soup that is both satisfying and comforting.
• Double Umami Boost: By incorporating both fresh mushrooms and miso paste, this soup delivers an intensified umami flavor, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
• Simple Ingredients: Despite its complex taste, the soup is made with just a few ingredients, making it easy to prepare while still offering a gourmet experience.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: This soup is plant-based and gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a healthy, wholesome meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for several days, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For this Double Umami Mushroom Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, and/or button mushrooms), sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons miso paste (preferably white or yellow miso)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for extra umami)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mushrooms: The star of the soup, providing an earthy, savory base. A mix of mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and button mushrooms will add complexity and depth to the flavor.
• Miso Paste: Adds a fermented umami punch, enhancing the soup’s savory profile with a slight tanginess.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: Complements the miso and mushrooms, contributing to the soup’s overall umami flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasted flavor that perfectly complements the earthy mushrooms.
• Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance the richness of the soup and add brightness.
• Fresh Thyme: Brings an aromatic, herbal note that complements the mushrooms beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your Double Umami Mushroom Soup:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Slice the Mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms into even pieces, ensuring they cook uniformly.
2. Chop the Onion and Garlic: Finely chop the onion and garlic, making them ready for sautéing.

Cook the Soup Base:

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 10 minutes.

Add Liquids and Simmer:

5. Add Broth and Miso: Stir in the vegetable broth, miso paste, soy sauce or tamari, and sesame oil. Use a whisk or spoon to dissolve the miso paste into the broth, ensuring the soup base is smooth.
6. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Finish and Season:

7. Add Rice Vinegar and Pepper: Stir in the rice vinegar and ground black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
8. Add Fresh Thyme: Stir in the fresh thyme and continue to simmer for 2 more minutes.
9. Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly, leaving some mushroom pieces for texture. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.

Serve and Garnish:

10. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for an added umami boost.
11. Serve Hot: Serve the soup immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.

How to Serve Double Umami Mushroom Soup

Double Umami Mushroom Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Starter: Serve it in small portions before a main course at dinner parties or holiday meals.
• With Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of freshly baked bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of this savory soup on its own, perfect for a light yet filling lunch.
• Topped with Tofu or Tempeh: For a protein-packed option, add cubed tofu or tempeh as a topping for a more substantial meal.
• With Rice or Noodles: For extra heartiness, serve the soup over steamed rice or with noodles, turning it into a more filling main course.
• Sprinkle with Seeds: Top with sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for added texture and a nutty crunch.

Additional Tips for Double Umami Mushroom Soup

Here are some tips to perfect your Double Umami Mushroom Soup:

• Use a Variety of Mushrooms: Mixing different types of mushrooms will enhance the depth of flavor and texture in your soup. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, bring a robust umami flavor.
• Be Careful with Miso Paste: Miso paste is salty, so adjust the soy sauce or tamari accordingly to avoid making the soup too salty.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend more of the soup, or if you like it thinner, add more vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: If you want a cheesy flavor, use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, which offers a dairy-free, umami-packed option.
• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste when cooking the onions and garlic.

Recipe Variations for Double Umami Mushroom Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Double Umami Mushroom Soup:

• Spicy Umami Mushroom Soup: Add a spoonful of chili paste or Sriracha to the soup for a spicy, savory twist.
• Creamy Mushroom Soup: Stir in coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamier texture without dairy.
• Smoky Mushroom Soup: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to infuse the soup with a smoky flavor.
• Miso-Ramen Mushroom Soup: Serve the soup with cooked ramen noodles and add soft-boiled eggs for a ramen-inspired variation.
• Shiitake-Only Mushroom Soup: Focus on shiitake mushrooms to highlight their rich, deep umami flavor.
• Mushroom Soup with Greens: Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
• Asian-Inspired Mushroom Soup: Include a splash of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a few slices of ginger to give the soup a more distinct Asian flair.
• Coconut-Miso Mushroom Soup: Combine miso paste with a touch of coconut milk for a delicious balance of creamy sweetness and savory umami.
• Mushroom Soup with Tofu: Add cubes of firm tofu for a protein boost, making it a complete meal.
• Wild Mushroom Soup: Use a mix of wild mushrooms like chanterelles or morels for a gourmet version of the soup.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop before serving.
• Storage: Store any leftover soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

Special Equipment for Double Umami Mushroom Soup

Here are some special equipment items to help you make the perfect Double Umami Mushroom Soup:

• Immersion Blender: An immersion blender is perfect for blending the soup directly in the pot, giving you control over the texture.
• Large Pot: A wide pot is essential for sautéing the mushrooms and simmering the soup.
• Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is great for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot as the soup cooks.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the mushrooms and chopping the onions and garlic quick and easy.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurately measure the miso paste, soy sauce, and other ingredients for the perfect balance of flavors.

FAQ Section for Double Umami Mushroom Soup

1. Can I use dried mushrooms for this recipe?
   Yes, dried mushrooms can be used, but make sure to rehydrate them in warm water before adding them to the soup.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
   Yes, this soup is gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.
3. Can I add cream to this soup?
   Yes, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk to make the soup richer and creamier.
4. How can I make this soup spicier?
   To make it spicier, add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or a dash of Sriracha during the cooking process.
5. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
   Yes, but tamari is a gluten-free version of soy sauce, so using it ensures the soup stays gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Double Umami Mushroom Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the rich, earthy taste of mushrooms and the deep umami of miso. This hearty soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or aiming to impress guests with a plant-based, savory option. The combination of mushrooms and miso creates a satisfying depth of flavor that is sure to please everyone at your table.

With its easy-to-find ingredients and simple cooking method, this soup is both accessible and delicious. You can easily customize it by adding more vegetables, adjusting the seasoning, or even switching up the mushrooms for different textures and tastes. This versatile recipe is a great addition to your weekly meal rotation or as a show-stopping starter for dinner parties.

I can’t wait to see how your Double Umami Mushroom Soup turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Feel free to share your thoughts and any variations you made in the comments. Enjoy!