Some nights, you can’t go wrong with a comforting bowl of soup for dinner. This bisque combines a blend of crimini and shiitake mushrooms, the flavors rounded out with onion, garlic and a touch of red wine. And a nut-based cream adds just the right amount of richness. One bite, and you’d never guess it was vegan. Best of all? The whole dish is ready in only 50 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.

VEGAN MUSHROOM BISQUE

Total time: 50 minutes | Serves 6 to 8

Note: Animal-derived ingredients are sometimes used in the filtering process when making wine; vegan-friendly wines are available at most wine stores as well as online.


3 tablespoons vegetable oil, more if needed

3/4 pound crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced

1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced, stems discarded

Salt and pepper


3 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/3 cup Madeira, sherry or similar vegan-friendly red wine


3 cups vegetable broth, more if desired

2 cups macadamia or cashew cream (see related recipe)

Chopped chives, for garnish

White truffle oil, for garnish


1. Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven over high heat until hot. Add the vegetable oil, then half the mushrooms. The mushrooms will immediately begin to sizzle. Cook quickly, stirring constantly, until the mushrooms begin to brown, 4 to 6 minutes. The mushrooms should cook quickly enough that they brown before they give up any moisture; this will give them a nice nutty flavor. Remove from heat and spread the mushrooms onto a plate to cool. Cook the remaining mushrooms the same way, adding a little additional oil if needed. Remove from heat and add to the first batch of mushrooms, seasoning with one-half teaspoon salt and one-fourth teaspoon pepper.

2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and browned slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until aromatic, an additional minute or so. Add the wine and cook, scraping any flavoring from the base of the pan.

3. Add 3 cups vegetable broth and half the mushrooms. Once the soup comes to a simmer, remove from heat and purée using an immersion or stand blender. Return the soup to the pot and whisk in the macadamia or cashew cream. Stir in the remaining mushrooms and bring to a bare simmer, stirring frequently. Taste, and add three-fourths teaspoon each salt and pepper, or as desired.

4. Continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes to marry the flavors. The soup will thicken as it cooks; adjust the consistency with additional broth or water as desired. This makes a scant 2 quarts soup.


5. Taste, and adjust the seasonings again if needed. Serve the bisque garnished with chopped chives and a drizzle of truffle oil.

Each of 8 servings, without garnish: Calories 223; Protein 3 grams; Carbohydrates 10 grams; Fiber 3 grams; Fat 19 grams; Saturated fat 2 grams; Cholesterol 0; Sugar 5 grams; Sodium 181 mg.

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