Mushroom Soup
by Jessica Sandhu (with parts from Averie Cooks)
Prep Time 5 minutes | Cook Time 20 minutes | Total Time 25 minutes
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, peeled and diced small
3 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
8 cups (64 ounces) reduced sodium vegetable broth
about 12 ounces trimmed and thinly sliced fresh mushrooms (I used 4 ounces shitake and 8 ounces baby portobello)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium/large zucchini, diced into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 or 3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, optional (brightens up the flavor)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, optional (brightens up the flavor)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional and to taste (balances the acidity from the vinegars)
Instructions
To a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add the oil, onion, and sauté over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes, or until onion begins to soften; stir intermittently.
Add the garlic, stir to combine, and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add the broth, mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, soy sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, bay leaves, bring to a boil, and allow it to boil for about 10 to 15 minutes or until mushrooms and vegetables have softened.
Taste soup and add optional vinegars (I added a hefty dose of both), optional sugar, and any additional herbs, salt and pepper, to taste.
Remove bay leaves and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Salt: Amount of salt will vary based on how salty the brand of broth and soy sauce are. I added about 2 1/2 teaspoons total; 1 teaspoon in the beginning and 1 1/2 at the end.
Broth: At any time while making the soup, if the overall liquid level is lower than you like and you prefer more broth, adding a cup or two of broth or water is okay because at the end you will adjust the salt and seasoning levels.
Storage: Soup will keep airtight in the fridge for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.