Roasted Mushroom and Garlic Soup with Caramelized Onions
 
 
I found this recipe on She Wears Many Hats, and knew it was right up my alley. I love mushrooms and it also has white beans, so I was hooked. I wasn't expecting to change it up, but I ended up deviating off the recipe a little. It turned out fabulous; full of flavor! Not only that, it was pretty easy to make. The only thing that takes a while is caramelizing the onions, so I recommend allowing about 30-45 minutes for that---but well worth it!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 6 C white and cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • 3 - 15 oz cans white beans, not drained
  • 5-6 large cloves of garlic, skins on
  • 2 Tbs olive oil + a drizzle
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8-10 fresh sage leaves
  • 8-10 thyme sprigs + 1 Tbs fresh leaves
  • 5 C vegetable stock (I recommend using Better Than Bouillon)
  • 2 Tbs dried minced onions
  • Caramelized onions:
  • 1 large white or yellow onion, sliced into strips
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbs sugar
Directions
  1. Begin with the onions. Combine the onions and olive oil and add to a medium skillet. Saute over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, or until they begin to brown. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook another 15 minutes; stirring often. Stir in the sugar and continue to saute until the onions are almost black and sticking to the skillet.
  2. Reduce heat to low. Of course, while you're doing all of this, you'll need to start the soup . . . Preheat oven to 450. Coat the mushrooms with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large baking pan. Add the sage and thyme sprigs. To prepare the garlic, place the cloves in the middle of a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil and wrap up tightly; place onto the baking sheet.
  3. Bake/roast for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, add the broth, beans, salt, pepper (to taste), and the tablespoon of thyme to a large soup pot; bring to a simmer. Stir the mushrooms in the oven and roast another 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the thyme sprigs and discard. Gather the sage leaves and set aside. Transfer one cup of the soup broth to a blender, along with 2 cups of drained beans. Toss in the sage leaves and the two tablespoons of minced onion, along with the garlic (the skins should slide right off). Puree until smooth. Add the mushrooms to the soup and stir in the puree; season with salt and pepper if you'd like then bring to a simmer.
  5. Serve with some caramelized onions on top and enjoy!
Recipe by Epicurean Vegan at http://epicureanvegan.com/2013/02/07/roasted-mushroom-and-garlic-soup-with-caramelized-onions/