Creamy Mushroom Soup in Your Instant Pot

Creamy Mushroom Soup in Your Instant Pot

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavorful soup that is both easy to prepare and packed with rich mushroom taste, then this creamy mushroom soup recipe is just what you need. Made in your Instant Pot, this hearty dish combines earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs, all simmered to perfection in a creamy broth. Whether you’re craving a warming bowl for lunch or dinner or need something to serve at a cozy gathering, this dish ticks all the boxes.

Mushrooms are an incredible ingredient for soups and stews. Not only do they lend their deep, umami flavor to any dish, but they are also loaded with nutrients. Rich in antioxidants, B-vitamins, fiber, and protein, mushrooms are a great addition to your diet, especially when combined with the right ingredients for a nutritious, creamy soup. Using an Instant Pot to make this soup reduces the cooking time significantly, while still producing a result that tastes as though it has simmered for hours.

Here’s everything you need to know about making this rich, satisfying mushroom soup in your Instant Pot, and why it’s perfect for anyone seeking a comforting yet easy meal.

Why Choose Mushroom Soup for Your Next Meal?

Mushrooms are one of those ingredients that can transform any dish. In this soup, the mix of mushrooms, including cremini, shiitake, and oyster varieties, delivers a nuanced flavor profile that is both earthy and slightly sweet. These mushrooms bring their unique textures and flavors together to create a satisfying and complex soup.

In addition to its amazing taste, mushroom soup is also incredibly healthy. It’s low in calories but full of flavor, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious meal. With the richness of heavy cream and the savory depth from the vegetables and broth, this creamy mushroom soup provides the perfect balance of flavors.

The Benefits of Making Mushroom Soup in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for home cooks looking to create quick, flavorful meals. Traditional methods of making creamy mushroom soup often require long cooking times to extract all of the deep, savory flavors from the mushrooms and vegetables. However, with the Instant Pot, you can achieve that same rich flavor profile in a fraction of the time.

Here are some reasons why using your Instant Pot for this recipe is a great idea:

1. Faster Cooking Times
   The Instant Pot cuts down on the time needed for simmering by using pressure cooking, which helps ingredients release their flavors quickly. This means you can have your creamy mushroom soup ready in under 40 minutes, including prep time, compared to hours on the stove.
2. Hands-Free Cooking
   Once you’ve added the ingredients to your Instant Pot, you can set it and forget it. The pressure cooking feature eliminates the need for constant stirring and monitoring, allowing you to multitask or relax while the soup cooks.
3. Retained Nutrients
   The pressure cooking method used in the Instant Pot locks in the nutrients from the vegetables and mushrooms, ensuring that your soup is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, the flavors meld together more efficiently, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic soup.
4. Rich, Creamy Texture
   Using the Instant Pot ensures that the ingredients are well-cooked, creating a velvety smooth texture when blended. The heavy cream stirred in at the end gives the soup its signature richness, while the mushrooms provide the perfect base.

Key Ingredients That Make This Mushroom Soup Exceptional

This creamy mushroom soup recipe includes just a few key ingredients, each of which plays an important role in developing the depth and richness of the soup.

1. Mixed Mushrooms (Cremini, Shiitake, and Oyster)
   The star of the show here is, of course, the mushrooms. By using a variety of mushrooms, you ensure that the soup has a full, multi-dimensional flavor. Cremini mushrooms have a mild, slightly nutty taste, while shiitake mushrooms add a rich, earthy depth, and oyster mushrooms provide a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. Together, they create the perfect mushroom medley.
2. Onions and Garlic
   Onions and garlic are essential aromatics in nearly every soup and stew. Their natural sweetness and pungency help build a strong flavor foundation. Cooking them in olive oil and butter before adding them to the soup helps release their essential oils and creates a delicious base for the soup.
3. Thyme Leaves
   Thyme is a wonderful herb to pair with mushrooms. It has an earthy, slightly floral flavor that complements the mushrooms’ natural umami. When added to the soup, thyme imparts its distinct aroma, making the soup even more fragrant and flavorful.
4. Heavy Cream
   Heavy cream provides the silky, smooth texture that makes this soup feel rich and indulgent. The creaminess also balances out the earthiness of the mushrooms, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that is both comforting and satisfying.
5. White Wine
   The dry white wine helps deglaze the pot, allowing any fond (the caramelized bits of flavor stuck to the bottom of the pot) to be incorporated into the soup. It adds a subtle acidity and depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
6. Vegetable or Chicken Broth
   Broth is the base of this soup, contributing to the soup’s liquid content and helping to dissolve the flavors from the mushrooms, onions, and garlic. You can choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for a deeper, more savory flavor.
7. Butter and Olive Oil
   Both butter and olive oil are used to sauté the vegetables and mushrooms, providing a richness that adds to the overall creaminess of the soup. Butter adds a subtle richness, while olive oil provides a lighter flavor.
8. Salt and Pepper
   Simple seasonings like salt and pepper are key to enhancing all of the flavors in the soup. Add salt to taste, and freshly ground black pepper will add just the right amount of spice.

The Art of Blending for the Perfect Consistency

The key to achieving the perfect creamy texture for your mushroom soup lies in the blending step. After the soup has simmered and the flavors have melded, you’ll use an immersion blender or a traditional blender to puree the soup until smooth.

You can blend the soup to your desired consistency, whether you prefer it completely smooth or slightly chunky. If you want a more rustic texture, you can leave a few mushroom pieces unblended for some added bite.

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

Now that we’ve explored the ingredients and benefits of making creamy mushroom soup in your Instant Pot, let’s dive into the simple, step-by-step recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In your Instant Pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
   Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme leaves to the Instant Pot. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and softened.
3. Deglaze with Wine:
   Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add the Broth:
   Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine. Lock the lid in place, set the Instant Pot to “soup” mode, and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup:
   Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure and remove the lid. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
6. Add Cream and Season:
   Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup over medium heat until hot.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

• For a heartier version, you can add diced carrots, celery, or potatoes to the Instant Pot before cooking.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g

This creamy mushroom soup is a perfect balance of earthy mushrooms, savory broth, and silky cream, all cooked in your Instant Pot for a rich and satisfying meal. Enjoy it on a chilly day or anytime you’re craving something comforting yet nutritious!