VEGAN MUSHROOM SOUP

After Pittsburgh’s brief warm weather tease, it’s clear that the cold weather is here a bit longer—so why not embrace it with a comforting, hearty bowl of goodness? Inspired by Live Eat Learn's original recipe, this soup is your perfect excuse to slow down and savor the season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted cashews

• 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 16 oz slice button mushrooms

• ¼ cup white wine

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 6 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Prep

1. Soften the cashews by pouring hot water over them in a bowl. Let them soak while you are preparing the soup.

2. Add two tablespoons of olive oil to a large pot.  Set heat to medium-high and cook the mushrooms until they are golden and crispy - about 10 minutes.  Add the wine and scrape any bits of the mushroom from the pan.  Cook, uncovered, until the wine is evaporated, then remove from the pan.

3. Cook your aromatics next.  Add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil to the pot, plus the onion, garlic, and thyme. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.  

4. Add the vegetable broth to the pot and stir. Then ladle about half the mixture into a standing blender. Drain the cashews and add them to the blender as well.  Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Add the creamy cashew mixture back into the pot with the cooked mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, until the soup thickens. Add more salt to taste.    

6. Serve with croutons

Bonus recipe for
Homemade Croutons

Ingredients

• 3 cups of torn or cut bread - sourdough is great

• 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil. You can also use canola or sunflower oil.

• ¼ teaspoon of salt

• Optional garlic powder, thyme or basil

Prep

1. Tear or cut your bread into squares

2. Place the bread in a large bowl then drizzle with your oil of choice and mix well to evenly coat the bread.  You can also use spray oil to get a more even coat.  

3. Add your salt or other herbs

4. Cook in whichever way you wish:

   To bake, spread out the croutons on a baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 15 - 20 minutes

   To air fry, put in the air fryer in a single layer at 375 F for 7 - 9 minutes. Cook in batches.

   Enjoy! 

   Original recipe here.