Description
This Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender mushrooms and chewy pearl couscous in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a warming meal, this vegetarian soup balances earthy mushrooms with a hint of fresh lemon and herbs for a deliciously satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup pearl couscous (also called Israeli couscous)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become browned.
- Deglaze: If using, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Couscous: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the pearl couscous, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the couscous is tender.
- Finish Soup: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Warm the soup through for another 2 to 3 minutes without boiling.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
- Use baby bella or a mix of wild mushrooms to deepen the flavor profile.
- For a thicker soup, blend a cup of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
