Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup

There’s something magical about a bowl of soup that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with earthy flavors, and that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup. The mushrooms bring a rich, savory depth, while the pearl couscous adds a delightful, slightly chewy texture that makes this soup feel like a hearty meal. It’s creamy, warm, and just the thing you need when you’re craving something filling and flavorful. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked—this is a soup you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year long.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup

Rich & Flavorful:

This soup has a depth of flavor from the combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked pearl couscous. Each spoonful is a little burst of comfort and indulgence.

Hearty and Filling:

Thanks to the pearl couscous, this soup is hearty enough to be a satisfying main dish. It has just the right amount of texture, making it feel more like a meal than a side.

Easy to Make:

Despite its rich flavor, this soup is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a bowl of creamy goodness ready in no time.

Perfect for Any Season:

Whether it’s a cold winter day or a cozy fall evening, this soup is the perfect go-to. It’s a lovely balance of comfort food and fresh, savory ingredients that make it enjoyable year-round.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this creamy, comforting soup:

For the Soup Base:

• Mushrooms: Cremini, button, or a mix of your favorite mushrooms. They’ll bring that rich, umami flavor that’s perfect for a creamy soup.
• Pearl Couscous: These tiny pasta balls add a fun texture and make the soup feel extra hearty. They soak up the creamy broth, making every bite satisfying.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the earthy mushrooms.
• Garlic: A must for bringing depth and aromatic richness to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: You can also use chicken broth, but vegetable broth keeps it light and vegetarian.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup rich and creamy. You can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you prefer.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and creating the base flavor of the soup.
• Butter: Adds extra richness and flavor to the soup base.

For the Seasoning:

• Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme enhances the earthy flavor of the mushrooms and adds a lovely herby note.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This step is important to get that deep, savory flavor from the mushrooms.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Pearl Couscous

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the pearl couscous and thyme. Stir to combine and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream

Once the couscous is tender, stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve warm. This soup is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 5%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup

This soup can stand on its own as a comforting main dish, or you can pair it with some delicious sides to round out the meal:

With Fresh Bread:

A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. If you’re feeling fancy, a little garlic butter or cheese spread can take it up a notch.

With a Green Salad:

Pair the soup with a light green salad, perhaps with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the soup beautifully.

As an Appetizer:

If you’re serving this soup as part of a larger meal, it makes a great appetizer. Its rich flavor will warm up your guests and leave them eager for the main course.

Additional Tips

For Extra Flavor:

Try adding a splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms to deglaze the pan—this adds even more depth of flavor.

Make it Vegan:

For a dairy-free version, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use vegan butter and broth.

Add More Vegetables:

If you want to add more veggies to the soup, consider tossing in some spinach, kale, or carrots. They’ll add even more nutrients and texture.

Make it Ahead:

This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better with time! Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth or water if it thickens too much.

Freezing:

While this soup can be frozen, the texture of the couscous may change slightly once thawed. To freeze, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost and reheat on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of pearl couscous?
A1: Yes, you can use any small pasta, such as orzo or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the different pasta.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Q3: Can I add protein to the soup?
A3: Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon would be delicious additions to this soup. Just stir it in at the end to warm through.

Q4: Is this soup gluten-free?
A4: Pearl couscous is made from wheat, so this soup is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta or rice if you need a gluten-free version.

Q5: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
A5: Yes, you can use dried thyme instead of fresh. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh thyme.

Q6: How can I make the soup spicier?
A6: If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic. This will add a nice kick to the soup.

Q7: Can I freeze this soup?
A7: Yes, this soup freezes well, though the couscous may absorb more liquid when thawed. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and reheat on the stove with a little added broth.

Q8: Can I use a different type of mushroom?
A8: Absolutely! You can use any mushroom you prefer, such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms. Just keep in mind that each type has its own flavor profile.

Q9: Can I substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth?
A9: Yes, chicken broth will work just as well if you’re not concerned about making the soup vegetarian.

Q10: How do I reheat leftover soup?
A10: Reheat leftover soup on the stove over low heat. Add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency if it has thickened too much.

Conclusion

This Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup is a perfect combination of rich, savory, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to warm you up and fill you with satisfaction. The creamy texture, earthy mushrooms, and chewy couscous come together in a way that makes every bite a delight. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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