Cream of Mushroom Soup

  • 1 stick Butter.
  • 2 pounds button mushrooms, rinsed and sliced.
  • 3 onions, peeled and chopped.
  • a sprinkle or two sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
  • 1/2 bottle hearty red wine.
  • 4 cups chicken broth.
  • 1 cup heavy cream (35%)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Place a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the butter, mushrooms and onions. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until lightly browned. The mushrooms will initially release a lot of moisture, preventing them from browning. Eventually that moisture will evaporate, allowing the pot’s heat to rise to browning temperature.

Pour in the red wine and bring it to a simmer. Continue cookingthe moisture in the wine will evaporate, concentrating its flavouruntil the wine has reduced by about two-thirds.

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream and fresh thyme. Stir well and bring the soup to a simmer.

Meanwhile, dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Add this mixture slowly to the simmering soup, stirring until it returns to the simmer and thickens slightly. If you prefer your soup a bit thicker, feel free to add more cornstarch. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.