Description
This Wild Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Kale Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining sweet caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, nutrient-rich kale, and creamy coconut milk for a comforting and wholesome meal. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, this soup highlights fresh ingredients simmered together to develop rich, layered flavors with a dairy-free twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sea salt or pink salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups whole shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cups baby bella or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups organic chicken broth or vegetable broth, gluten-free
- 2 cups loosely chopped kale leaves
For Finishing
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or coconut cream
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, which takes about 10-15 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the onions.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the finely chopped garlic along with 1 teaspoon sea salt or pink salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, careful not to let it burn.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the whole shiitake mushrooms and sliced baby bella or cremini mushrooms to the pot. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms soften and develop a golden hue, which adds extra depth of flavor.
- Add Broth and Kale: Pour in 4 cups of organic chicken broth or vegetable broth, stirring to combine with the mushroom mixture. Bring to a boil, then add 2 cups loosely chopped kale leaves. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the kale to soften.
- Finish with Coconut Milk: Uncover the pot and stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk or coconut cream. Let the soup heat through for another minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving. Using coconut cream will provide a richer, creamier texture.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Coconut cream will make the soup richer than coconut milk; choose according to preference.
- Caramelizing onions properly is key for enhancing the soup’s sweetness and depth.
- This soup can be blended partially for a creamier texture or left chunky.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: wild mushroom soup, caramelized onion soup, kale soup, dairy-free soup, coconut milk soup, gluten-free soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup
