====== Cream of Mushroom soup ====== ** INGREDIENTS** * 2 tablespoons butter * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 onion, finely chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 lb mushrooms, sliced (a mix of cremini, white, and shiitake works well) * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour * 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth * 1 cup of heavy cream * Half a cup of milk * Half of a small spoon of dried thyme. * Season with salt and pepper to taste. * You can sprinkle some chopped parsley, extra cooked mushrooms, or a bit of cream on top, if you prefer. **INSTRUCTIONS** * Fry the diced vegetables in oil. * Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place the chopped onion in the pan and cook until it is tender, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Put the minced garlic in the pan and cook for another minute. * Place the sliced mushrooms in the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to brown. * Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and mix them until they are completely coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. * Pour the chicken or vegetable broth slowly while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the dried thyme and let the mixture cook slowly. Allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes to blend the flavors. * To prepare a smooth soup, use a hand blender directly in the pot or blend the soup in batches in a regular blender. To make a thicker soup, blend only half of it and leave the other half as it is. * Reduce the temperature and stir in the thick cream and milk. Heat the mixture gently without boiling it, and season with salt and pepper as desired. * Place the soup in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, cooked mushrooms, or a bit of cream to make it visually appealing. Eat it warm with crispy bread or crackers. * To make it more exciting, use different types of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and cremini. * Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream to make a dairy-free version. **Nutrition facts:** Calories: 250, Carbohydrates: 12 grams, Amount of protein: 5 grams, Fat content: 20 grams, Fat amount: 12 grams, Cholesterol level: 50 mg, Sodium: 600 mg, Fiber amount: 2 grams, Sugar: 4 grams