Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15-Minute Meal is the ultimate comfort food that promises both quick preparation and a deliciously rich taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15 Minute Meal
Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15-Minute Meal is a simple, creamy, and incredibly flavorful soup that showcases the earthy richness of fresh mushrooms, blended into a smooth and velvety texture. This recipe highlights Oliver’s signature style of cooking: using fresh, high-quality ingredients and bringing out their natural flavors in a way that’s both accessible and exciting.
The soup is quick to make, with a preparation time of just 15 minutes, making it a great option for anyone looking for a comforting meal in a short amount of time. Despite its speed, it doesn’t compromise on taste and delivers the kind of hearty warmth that you crave on cooler days.
Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15 Minute Meal Recipe
Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15-Minute Meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Fresh mushrooms (about 500 grams): Mushrooms are the star of this dish, providing a deep umami flavor. You can use a mix of button mushrooms, cremini, or any other type you prefer.
- Onion (1 medium-sized): For a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor in the base of the soup.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves): Adds aromatic warmth that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the mushrooms and vegetables.
- Vegetable stock (1 liter): A rich, savory stock will bring the soup together.
- Double cream or full-fat cream (100 ml): For a luscious, creamy texture that balances the earthy mushrooms.
- Fresh thyme (1 sprig or a teaspoon of dried thyme): Thyme adds a fragrant herbal note.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the soup’s flavor.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and flavor to finish off the dish.
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan: To sauté the mushrooms and vegetables, and later simmer the soup.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and sautéing the ingredients.
- Blender or hand blender: To purée the soup into a creamy consistency.
- Knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Chopping board: To safely chop your ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: For accuracy in measuring out your thyme, cream, and seasonings.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15 Minute Meal?
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion and garlic. Slice the mushrooms thinly for even cooking. If using fresh thyme, strip the leaves off the sprig.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking them for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, then sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Season with salt, pepper, and the fresh thyme.
- Add the Stock: Pour in the vegetable stock, and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Purée the Soup: After simmering, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender to purée it until smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids; if using a regular blender, blend in batches and allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.
- Finish the Soup: Once blended, return the soup to the heat. Stir in the double cream to create a smooth, velvety texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Expert Tips
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest with pieces of mushrooms for added texture.
- Mushroom Varieties: Experiment with different types of mushrooms to change the flavor profile. Shiitake mushrooms add a deeper, richer taste, while porcini mushrooms can elevate the soup with their intense flavor.
- Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan, simply substitute the double cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegetable stock to keep it plant-based.
- Herb Variations: While thyme is traditional in this recipe, feel free to experiment with rosemary, sage, or even a dash of truffle oil for an extra indulgent twist.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently before serving.
Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15-Minute Meal is the epitome of simple yet satisfying cooking. It’s quick, nourishing, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for busy days or when you just need a comforting meal.
With only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll have a delicious bowl of soup ready in no time. Whether enjoyed on its own or served with a piece of fresh bread, this mushroom soup is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15 Minute Meal

Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that can be adapted in a variety of ways to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, or seasonal ingredients. The original recipe is simple, focusing on the earthy, umami flavor of mushrooms, with a few key ingredients like garlic, onion, and vegetable stock. However, here are some exciting variations to explore:
- Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup: Swap out the cream or milk for coconut milk or cashew cream. Cashew cream, in particular, adds a velvety texture without any dairy, making the soup both creamy and rich, while still keeping it entirely plant-based. Additionally, using vegetable stock will keep the dish vegan-friendly.
- Mushroom Soup with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage can elevate the flavor profile of the soup. Simply add them when sautéing the onions and garlic, or toss them in toward the end of the cooking process for a burst of fragrance. Thyme pairs especially well with mushrooms, providing a savory depth to the dish.
- Mushroom Soup with a Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a touch of chili or red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level based on your preference. A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can add an additional layer of freshness and heat, balancing the richness of the mushrooms.
- Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil: For a luxurious twist, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil into the soup just before serving. The earthy aroma of truffle oil complements the mushrooms beautifully and gives the soup an elevated, gourmet feel.
- Mushroom Soup with a Protein Boost: Add some cooked chicken, tofu, or even lentils to the soup to make it heartier and more filling. Chicken and mushrooms pair wonderfully together, while tofu provides a plant-based protein option. Lentils can add texture and an earthy, hearty element to the soup.
- Roasted Garlic Mushroom Soup: Roasting the garlic before adding it to the soup can bring out its sweetness and richness, giving the soup a more robust flavor. Simply roast the garlic bulbs in their skins at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, until soft, then squeeze the cloves into the soup base.
- Mushroom Soup with Creamy Parmesan: Adding a handful of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving not only enhances the soup’s flavor but also contributes a creamy texture. Parmesan can also be used as a topping, providing a salty contrast to the soup’s natural earthiness.
- Mushroom Soup with a Dash of Wine: For a sophisticated twist, a splash of white wine or dry sherry can be added to the soup. After sautéing the mushrooms, pour in the wine and let it reduce slightly before adding the broth. This will infuse the soup with a lovely acidity and complexity.
Best Practices To Store Leftovers
When it comes to storing leftover mushroom soup, it’s essential to ensure the soup remains fresh and safe to eat for later. Here are some best practices to help you store your leftover mushroom soup properly:
- Cool the Soup Quickly: After cooking, let the soup cool down at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid letting it sit out for too long to prevent bacteria growth. Once it’s cool enough, transfer it into airtight containers.
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3 to 4 days. Use airtight containers to preserve the freshness and prevent any odors from seeping into the soup. Be sure the soup is completely cooled before putting it in the fridge to avoid condensation inside the container.
- Freezing Leftovers: If you want to store mushroom soup for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, if the soup appears too thick after being stored, simply add a little extra broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency. Reheat the soup slowly on the stove, stirring occasionally, to avoid burning it. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but ensure you stir the soup halfway through the reheating process to ensure even warmth.
- Avoid Reheating Multiple Times: For food safety reasons, it’s recommended to reheat the soup only once. Repeated heating can degrade the soup’s quality and pose a risk for foodborne illnesses.
What Goes Well With Mushroom Soup 15 Minute Meal?
While Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup can certainly stand alone as a meal, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the dining experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments that pair wonderfully with mushroom soup:
- Freshly Baked Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of sourdough, baguette, or even a slice of whole-grain bread can be perfect for dunking into the soup. The texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup, and it adds a satisfying element to the meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic pairing brings comfort and indulgence together. The rich, melty cheese complements the earthy mushrooms in the soup. For a gourmet twist, use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère and cheddar.
- Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Consider mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, topped with toasted nuts (like walnuts or almonds) and a simple vinaigrette to cut through the creamy texture of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes provide a savory, slightly sweet complement to the soup’s earthiness. Roasting enhances their natural sugars, making them a delicious and hearty side dish.
- Pasta: For a more filling meal, serve your mushroom soup with a side of pasta. A simple spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in a little olive oil, garlic, and herbs pairs nicely with the soup. You can also opt for small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini that can be stirred directly into the soup for extra texture.
- Soft-Boiled Eggs: If you’re looking to add a protein element, a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk can be a luxurious topping for the soup. The richness of the egg enhances the creamy texture of the soup, and the yolk adds a velvety smoothness.
- Croutons or Parmesan Crisps: Homemade croutons or crispy parmesan shards provide a satisfying crunch and add texture to the soup. They’re easy to make and add a savory, salty finish to each spoonful.
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup 15-Minute Meal is an incredibly versatile dish that can be customized to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer it vegan, creamy, or with an extra touch of spice or luxury, there’s no limit to how you can transform this simple recipe. With just a few extra ingredients, you can turn this humble soup into a gourmet delight.
By following best practices for storing leftovers, you can easily enjoy this delicious meal for several days or even freeze it for later. And when it comes to pairing, the soup complements a variety of sides, from fresh bread to roasted vegetables, ensuring that every meal feels both hearty and satisfying.
Mushroom soup isn’t just a comforting bowl of warmth – it’s a canvas for creativity, making it a perfect meal for any occasion!
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s 15-minute Mushroom Soup?
To make Jamie Oliver’s mushroom soup, you will need mushrooms (such as chestnut or button), garlic, fresh thyme, vegetable or chicken stock, olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, and optionally, some cream or milk to enrich the soup’s texture.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup?
This recipe is designed to be a quick meal, with a total preparation and cooking time of just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Can I Use Dried Mushrooms Instead Of Fresh For The Soup?
While fresh mushrooms are preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use dried mushrooms. Just make sure to rehydrate them in warm water before cooking, and adjust the liquid accordingly.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians, especially if you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What Kind Of Mushrooms Are Best For Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup?
The recipe works well with a variety of mushrooms, including button mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms, or a mix of wild mushrooms. Each type will give a slightly different flavor, but all will create a delicious soup.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup?
Jamie Oliver’s mushroom soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or a light sandwich. For extra richness, you can also top it with a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup Dairy-free?
To make the soup dairy-free, simply use olive oil instead of butter and substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or almond milk.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like leeks, onions, or carrots to the soup for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them finely so they cook quickly in the 15-minute timeframe.
What’s The Best Way To Store Leftover Mushroom Soup?
Store leftover mushroom soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or stock to adjust the consistency if needed.