Chef John's Creamy Mushroom Soup

1 . Stage

Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

2 . Stage

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms and 1 pinch salt in the melted butter until mushrooms release their juices, 5 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring often, until juices evaporate and mushrooms are caramelized, 15 to 25 minutes. Set aside a few attractive mushroom slices for garnish later, if desired.

3 . Stage

Add onion to the mushrooms; cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

4 . Stage

Stir flour into the mushroom mixture and cook, stirring often, to remove the raw flour taste, about 2 minutes.

5 . Stage

Add thyme bundle and garlic cloves, then pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. Remove and discard thyme bundle. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

6 . Stage

Purée soup with a blender in batches until smooth and thick. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

7 . Stage

Stir in cream. If too thick, add a little chicken broth or water. Season with salt and black pepper. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

8 . Stage

Ladle into bowls, and garnish with reserved mushroom slices and thyme leaves. DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS