Creamy Mushroom Soup with Lemon and Thyme

This creamy mushroom soup is basically the hug your soul didn’t know it needed, complete with earthy mushrooms that taste like they’ve been whispering secrets to the forest floor.

The combination of plant-based cream and rich vegan bouillon creates a luxurious base that’ll have people convinced you went to culinary school, when really you just followed directions and didn’t burn anything.

Fresh thyme and bright lemon juice transform ordinary button mushrooms into something that tastes like it belongs in a cozy European bistro, not your Tuesday night kitchen chaos.

This recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated – just butter, onions, garlic, and mushrooms doing what they do best together in perfect harmony.

The best part is you can keep it chunky for texture lovers or blend it smooth for those who prefer their soup without surprise mushroom encounters.

Warning: making this will result in people asking for the recipe, and you’ll have to admit that yes, it really is this simple and no, there’s no secret ingredient except maybe not overthinking it.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tbsp butter (vegan or regular)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 big garlic clove, finely minced
• 250 g button mushrooms, sliced or kept whole if small

For the Creamy Broth

• 500 ml plant-based cooking cream
• 6 dl vegan bouillon (approximately 2.5 cups)
• 2 tbsp concentrated vegan or mushroom fond (optional but recommended)
• White pepper to taste
• Salt if needed

For Serving

• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Fresh lemon for juice
• Grated cheese (Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano style)

Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics

1. 1 Heat a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and melt the 2 tablespoons butter until it’s foaming and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. 2 Add the diced yellow onion to the melted butter and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes. The onions should be golden and sweet-smelling, not browned.

Build the Mushroom Base

1. 3 Add the finely chopped garlic to the softened onions and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving.
2. 4 Add the button mushrooms to the pan. If using large mushrooms, slice them into 1/4-inch pieces. For mini mushrooms, leave them whole. Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring initially to allow browning.
3. 5 Continue cooking the mushroom mixture, stirring occasionally, for another 3-5 minutes until all flavors are well combined and the mushrooms have released their moisture and begun to caramelize.

Create the Creamy Soup

1. 6 Pour in the 500 ml plant-based cooking cream and 6 dl vegan bouillon, stirring to combine all ingredients smoothly.
2. 7 Add the 2 tablespoons concentrated fond if using, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
3. 8 Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thin (this depends on your cooking cream’s consistency), whisk together 1 tablespoon potato starch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the soup.

Finish and Serve

1. 9 For a completely smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend until creamy. For texture, leave the mushrooms in bite-sized pieces as preferred.
2. 10 Taste and season with white pepper and salt as needed. Serve immediately topped with fresh thyme leaves, a few drops of fresh lemon juice, and grated cheese.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

• Large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven – Provides even heat distribution and prevents the cream base from scorching during simmering
• Sharp chef’s knife – Makes quick work of dicing onions uniformly and mincing garlic finely for even cooking
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Won’t scratch your cookware and allows gentle stirring of the delicate cream base
• Immersion blender – Optional but perfect for achieving your desired consistency without transferring hot soup

Helpful Upgrades

• Kitchen scale – For precise measurement of the 250g mushrooms, ensuring consistent results every time
• Microplane grater – Creates perfectly fluffy grated cheese that melts beautifully into the hot soup
• Liquid measuring cups – Essential for accurately measuring the plant-based cream and bouillon ratios
• Fine-mesh strainer – Useful if you want an ultra-smooth soup without any herb or vegetable bits

Nice-to-Have Options

• Cast iron Dutch oven – Retains heat beautifully and goes from stovetop to table for elegant serving
• Digital instant-read thermometer – Helps maintain the perfect simmering temperature of 185-190°F (85-88°C) without boiling the cream
• Storage containers with tight-fitting lids – This soup keeps beautifully for meal prep and tastes even better the next day

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Mushroom Variety Upgrades

• Replace button mushrooms with cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for deeper, more complex earthy flavors
• Mix 2-3 mushroom varieties using the same total weight for a gourmet forest mushroom experience
• Add dried porcini mushrooms (rehydrated) for intense umami depth

Dairy-Free Modifications

• Use coconut cream instead of plant-based cooking cream for richer texture and subtle tropical notes
• Substitute cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water) for neutral flavor and silky consistency
• Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter to keep the recipe completely plant-based

Protein Additions

• Stir in cooked white beans or cannellini beans during the last 5 minutes for added protein and fiber
• Add diced firm tofu or tempeh crumbles for heartier texture and plant-based protein boost
• Include cooked lentils for an earthy complement to the mushroom flavors

Flavor Enhancement Variations

• Add dry white wine (1/4 cup) after cooking mushrooms, let alcohol cook off before adding cream
• Include roasted garlic instead of fresh for sweeter, mellower garlic flavor
• Stir in fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano along with the thyme for complexity

Seasonal Adaptations

• Spring version with fresh peas and mint added in the final minutes
• Fall variation with roasted butternut squash pureed into the base
• Winter warming version with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This creamy mushroom soup provides approximately 180-220 calories per serving, with the majority coming from healthy plant-based fats in the cooking cream and beneficial carbohydrates from the mushrooms and onions. Each serving delivers about 8-10 grams of plant-based protein from the combination of mushrooms, plant-based cream, and optional nutritional yeast in vegan cheese alternatives. The soup is naturally low in saturated fat and provides 4-6 grams of dietary fiber from the mushrooms and onions.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Button mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses, providing significant amounts of selenium, potassium, and B vitamins, particularly B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin) which support energy metabolism. They’re also rich in ergothioneine, a unique antioxidant that may help protect cells from oxidative stress. The onions contribute quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic provides allicin compounds known for their immune-supporting benefits. Fresh thyme adds thymol and carvacrol, compounds with antimicrobial properties, and the lemon juice provides vitamin C while helping with iron absorption from other ingredients.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made completely vegan by using plant-based butter and cheese alternatives. It’s suitable for vegetarian, Mediterranean, and anti-inflammatory eating patterns. The soup is relatively low in sodium when you control the bouillon choice, making it heart-healthy. Each serving provides about 12-15 grams of carbohydrates, making it suitable for moderate low-carb approaches when paired with protein-rich sides.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

• Plant-based cooking cream → Heavy dairy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk (use same amount)
• Vegan bouillon → Regular vegetable or chicken stock, or bouillon cubes dissolved in water
• Button mushrooms → Any combination of cremini, baby bella, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms
• Fresh thyme → 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or substitute with fresh rosemary or oregano

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

• Concentrated mushroom fond → Extra bouillon cube or 1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami depth
• Plant-based cooking cream → Blend 1 cup soaked cashews with 1 cup water for homemade cream
• Fresh herbs → Use dried herbs at 1/3 the amount, added during cooking rather than as garnish
• Artisanal cheese → Nutritional yeast (2-3 tablespoons) for cheesy flavor without the cost

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

• Fresh garlic → 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, added with the onions
• Yellow onion → White onion, shallots, or even green onion whites in a pinch
• Butter → Olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral cooking oil
• Fresh lemon juice → White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for acidity

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

• When using coconut milk, choose full-fat canned for richness and add gradually to prevent curdling
• Store homemade cashew cream in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and shake before using
• If using dried herbs, add them during the simmering stage so they have time to rehydrate and release flavor

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

• This soup is naturally moderate in carbohydrates at approximately 12-15g per serving
• Replace regular onions with green onions or scallions to reduce natural sugar content by about 3-4g carbs per serving
• Use unsweetened plant-based cream to avoid hidden sugars often found in flavored varieties
• Skip the optional potato starch thickener and rely on reduction for consistency

Portion & Blood Sugar Management:

• Stick to 1 cup (240ml) serving sizes to maintain reasonable carbohydrate portions
• Pair with 2-3 oz lean protein like grilled chicken or tofu to slow glucose absorption
• Add 1-2 tablespoons healthy fats like avocado slices or nuts to further stabilize blood sugar response
• Serve as a starter before a high-protein, high-fiber main course

Enhanced Nutritional Profile:

• Add 1-2 cups fresh spinach in the final minute of cooking for extra fiber and virtually no carbs
• Include 1/4 cup hemp hearts or chia seeds for protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids
• Use low-sodium bouillon to support overall cardiovascular health
• Increase the lemon juice and herbs for flavor without adding carbohydrates

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce the total carbohydrate content to 8-10g per serving while significantly increasing fiber and protein content.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the earthy mushrooms beautifully, while the wine’s acidity balances the rich cream base. For beer lovers, try a Belgian wheat beer or light pilsner that won’t overpower the delicate thyme and lemon notes. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with fresh herbs, unsweetened green tea, or lemon-infused still water to cleanse the palate between spoonfuls.

Side Dish Recommendations

Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or garlic focaccia for dipping and textural contrast. Mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides fresh, crisp contrast to the soup’s richness. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus add color and complementary earthy flavors. For a heartier meal, pair with quinoa pilaf or wild rice seasoned with herbs.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with this soup as an elegant first course before herb-crusted salmon or roasted chicken thighs. For vegetarian dinners, follow with stuffed portobello mushrooms or eggplant parmesan. The soup also works beautifully as a light lunch with grilled cheese made with artisanal bread and aged cheddar. For entertaining, serve small portions in shot glasses or small bowls as an appetizer before dinner parties.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for cozy autumn dinners, holiday entertaining, or romantic date nights at home. The elegant presentation makes it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions, while the simple preparation works great for weeknight comfort meals. Serve it for Sunday family dinners or meal prep for sophisticated work lunches throughout the week.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Cooking Techniques

Don’t rush the onion cooking process – properly caramelized onions create the flavor foundation that makes this soup restaurant-quality. When adding the cream, reduce heat to low and add it gradually while stirring to prevent curdling. If the soup does curdle, immediately remove from heat and whisk vigorously, or use an immersion blender to re-emulsify. Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end, as the flavors concentrate during simmering.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of extra bouillon or plant-based milk if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Freeze portions for up to 3 months, but note that cream-based soups may separate slightly when thawed – simply whisk or blend to restore smooth texture.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare the mushroom and onion base up to 2 days ahead, storing it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the base and add the cream and bouillon, simmering as directed. The soup can be completely made 4-6 hours ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker on low heat, stirring occasionally. Fresh garnishes like thyme, lemon, and cheese should always be added just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

Recipe Scaling

This recipe doubles or triples easily for entertaining – just use a larger pot and increase simmering time by 5-10 minutes for larger batches. For single servings, halve all ingredients and use a smaller saucepan, reducing cooking times slightly. Presentation tip: Serve in warmed bowls and drizzle with good olive oil for restaurant-style plating.

This creamy mushroom soup with lemon and thyme proves that the most satisfying meals often come from the simplest ingredients treated with care and attention. The combination of earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and bright citrus creates a bowl of pure comfort that feels both familiar and sophisticated, making it the perfect addition to your repertoire of go-to recipes that never fail to impress.