CREAM OF CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large saucepan and cook the onions and garlic until soft but not browned, about 8-10 mins.
• Add the mushrooms and cook over a high heat for another 3 mins until softened. Sprinkle over the flour and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock, bring the mixture to the boil, then add the bay leaf and simmer for another 10 mins.
• Remove and discard the bay leaf, then remove the mushroom mixture from the heat and blitz using a hand blender until smooth. Gently reheat the soup and stir through the cream (or, you could freeze the soup at this stage – simply stir through the cream when heating). Scatter over the parsley, if you like, and serve.

Steps:

• Heat the butter and oil in a large deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the shallots and mushrooms and fry for 5-6 minutes until starting to soften. Increase the heat to high and fry for 10 minutes more until golden.
• Add the garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly. Use a stick blender to whizz the soup to a smooth consistency (see Make Ahead).
• Heat the soup until piping hot, stir in the cream and herbs and season. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the herbs. (Alternatively, transfer to a Thermos and seal tightly. Put some chopped herbs in a small sealed container, if you like. Pour the soup into mugs and, if using, sprinkle with herbs to serve.)