First Step: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Clean the Mushrooms: Start by wiping the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Slice them thinly, as this will allow them to cook quickly and release their flavor into the soup.
2. Chop the Onion and Garlic: Finely chop the onion and garlic, ensuring that the pieces are small enough to cook down easily without adding texture to the soup.
3. Measure the Broth and Cream: Have your vegetable broth and heavy cream ready. You can adjust the consistency of the soup later with the cream, so be sure to have a little extra on hand if you prefer a thicker or thinner soup.

Second Step: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Melt the Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and bubble, but make sure it doesn’t brown.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the mushrooms release their moisture and cook down. You want the mushrooms to be nicely browned and tender, which will concentrate their flavor and deepen the soup’s taste.

Third Step: Make the Soup Base

1. Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Stir the mixture to coat the vegetables evenly. The flour will help thicken the soup and create that creamy texture we all love.
2. Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the soup begins to thicken. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the soup will thicken further.

Fourth Step: Add the Cream and Seasoning

1. Add the Cream: Once the soup has thickened, pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated. This will make the soup rich and creamy, turning it into the comforting, velvety dish you crave.
2. Season the Soup: Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a more herby flavor, you can add additional thyme or try adding a bit of rosemary.
3. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. For a chunkier texture, leave the soup as is.

Fifth Step: Serve the Soup

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For added richness, drizzle a little extra cream over the top or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve the soup with crusty bread, croutons, or a simple salad to make a complete meal.
3. Enjoy: Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting, creamy flavors in every bite.