This cozy Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. The mix of mushrooms gives it a lovely earthiness, while cottage cheese adds a smooth touch.
I love how quick and easy this soup comes together. It’s perfect for a chilly day, and you can top it with some fresh herbs for a little extra yum! 🍄❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both options work well, but I usually go for butter for that rich flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, olive oil is a great alternative.
Onion: A small yellow onion is perfect for this soup. If you’re out, shallots will add a nice sweetness as well!
Mushrooms: Mixed mushrooms add depth to the flavor. If you can’t find a mix, cremini or button mushrooms are great on their own. You can also try using dried mushrooms, just rehydrate them first!
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat is great for a lighter soup, but full-fat cottage cheese can make it creamier. If you need a dairy-free option, try silken tofu or a non-dairy yogurt as a substitute.
Milk or Cream: This adds creaminess, but it’s optional. You can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you want it dairy-free.
How Do I Get the Mushrooms Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking mushrooms can be tricky. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Heat your oil or butter in the pot before adding mushrooms. This helps them brown nicely.
- Don’t crowd the mushrooms in the pan; if necessary, cook them in batches to allow moisture to escape.
- Stir occasionally, letting them sit a bit to develop that golden color.
This brings out their flavor wonderfully! Make sure they’re nice and brown before adding the broth.
Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces (about 280g) mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, button, shiitake), sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 25 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 40 minutes. A perfect quick meal option for chilly nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté The Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes softened and translucent. This builds a tasty foundation for your soup.
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. You don’t want it to burn, just become aromatic!
3. Cook The Mushrooms:
Next, toss the sliced mushrooms into the pot. Cook them for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are browned and have released their moisture. This step enhances the mushroom flavor you’ll enjoy in the soup.
4. Mix in Broth and Herbs:
Pour in your choice of broth and add the fresh thyme. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully!
5. Blend It Smooth:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and milk or cream (if you’re using it). Blend until it’s very smooth and creamy—this is what makes your soup luscious!
6. Combine and Heat:
Gradually stir the blended cottage cheese mixture into the soup. Heat the soup gently over low heat until it’s warmed through, but be careful not to let it boil, as that can curdle the cheese.
7. Season and Serve:
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once it’s to your liking, ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
8. Enjoy!
Serve this creamy and nutritious Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup warm as a delightful light meal or appetizer. Enjoy the comforting flavors!
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use silken tofu blended until smooth or a dairy-free yogurt. Both alternatives will maintain the creamy texture of the soup.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid curdling.
What Types of Mushrooms Work Best?
Mixed mushrooms like cremini, button, and shiitake create a lovely depth of flavor. However, feel free to use any mushrooms you enjoy or have on hand for this recipe!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! Just use vegetable broth, plant-based milk, and a dairy-free alternative for cottage cheese. This will keep the soup creamy and delicious without any animal products!