Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
• 4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

• Combine the green tea leaves, sugar, and spices in a small bowl to create the green tea rubs. This mixture will be used to add a unique flavor to the soup.

Cook the Mushrooms:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Make the Roux:

• Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Create the Soup Base:

• Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth and the white wine (if using), making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and green tea rubs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer the Soup:

• Simmer the soup over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has thickened slightly.

Blend the Soup (Optional):

• If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a standing blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

Season and Serve:

• Check the seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Serve the Creamy Mushroom Soup warm, with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired. Enjoy the rich, earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the subtle hint of green tea from the rubs.