Cream of Mushroom Soup - without cream(Vegetarian SBD Phase1 Recipe of the Month)

There are people who think soups cannot really make a meal by itself(you know who you are), but to me I could just live on soups and be satisfied, as long as they are flavorful and hot! Most of my dinners during winter are soups and I really love the warmth it brings. The added benefit is that you can make a big batch and throw it in the freezer for use later. This "Cream of Mushroom soup" is one of my most favorite recipes recently - where it does not use any cream at all.

The secret ingredient here is:'cauliflower'. Cauliflower has been my new favorite vegetable - it always has been a vegetable I liked, but off late, I am using it in so many innovative ways. Steaming and pureeing the cauliflower adds a creamy texture to the soup, which I then round it off with a couple of tablespoons of greek yogurt. I have even made it without the yogurt, but there is a slight tanginess that comes from the yogurt that really perks up the flavors. If you are vegan, you can choose to omit the yogurt. Here is the recipe:

Steam the cauliflower florets until just tender. You can also thaw a package of frozen caulliflower florets and add it to the soup. Set aside.

Heat oil in a soup pot and add the onion and garlic. Let it soften and get translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms, let the mushrooms absorb the oil and slightly caramelize. This adds immense flavor to the soup, so don't go tossing and turning them. Add the thyme, salt and pepper next. Do not add the salt any sooner, as the mushroom will start giving out water and will not caramelize. Let this cook for a couple more minutes and add in the broth. Let cook until the mushrooms are tender.

Add the steamed cauliflower florets, let the soup come to a boil. Switch off the stove. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth, add the Greek Yogurt and blend more, season with more salt and pepper. Return the soup to the stove again, until just warm. Serve with a dollop of yogurt and some scallions/chives.

Verdict: This soup was so creamy, you won't even miss the cream, it is also super filling and very satisfying. The mushrooms have a great depth of flavor from the caramelization, and people won't even believe you even if you said it has cauliflower in it.