Description

This Wild Mushroom, Caramelized Onion, and Kale Soup is a hearty and comforting dish combining the deep richness of caramelized onions with earthy mushrooms and nutrient-packed kale. Finished with creamy coconut milk, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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 Onions: Heat the 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, about 10-15 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.
Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the finely chopped garlic, sea salt or pink salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Cook Mushrooms: Add the whole shiitake mushrooms and the sliced baby bella or cremini mushrooms to the pot with the onions, garlic, and seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and begin to turn golden, enhancing their flavor.
Add Broth and Kale: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring everything to a boil, then add the loosely chopped kale leaves. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes to meld the flavors and tenderize the kale.
Finish Soup: Uncover the pot and stir in the coconut milk or coconut cream. Let the soup heat through for a minute or two. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired before serving. Using coconut cream will yield a richer texture.

Notes

Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian or vegan; chicken broth makes it richer but not vegetarian.
Caramelizing the onions slowly is key for developing deep flavor.
Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if desired.
For a dairy-free and creamy texture, coconut milk or cream is ideal.
To add protein, consider stirring in cooked beans or shredded chicken when adding the broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: wild mushroom soup, caramelized onion soup, kale soup, coconut milk soup, gluten free soup, vegan soup alternative, healthy mushroom soup