Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy Mushroom Soup & Potato Leek Soup

There’s something universally comforting about a warm bowl of soup. It’s the kind of food that feels like a hug from the inside out. It is nourishing and satisfying. It is often connected to fond memories of home and family. Soup is ideal when you’re curled up on the couch during a chilly evening. It’s also perfect when you’re looking for a light-yet-hearty lunch or want a budget-friendly homemade meal. It is also great for a light-yet-hearty lunch, or when you want a budget-friendly homemade meal. It doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Soup always delivers.

While canned soup may seem convenient, nothing compares to the taste and satisfaction of making soup from scratch. Creamy Mushroom Soup and Potato and Leek Soup are the two recipes I’m sharing today. They demonstrate how easy it is to make homemade soups. They show how rewarding these soups can be. Each uses simple, fresh ingredients and requires no advanced cooking skills. If you can chop vegetables and stir a pot, you’re more than equipped to tackle these comforting classics.

Not only are these soups easy to make, but they’re also affordable and customizable. You can adjust the textures, add your favourite herbs, or tweak the creaminess depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Both soups are naturally vegetarian, and they can easily be made vegan or gluten-free with a few minor substitutions.

Let’s explore these two soul-warming recipes. They are perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. Your body and soul will crave something comforting and nourishing.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Earthy, Elegant, and Comforting

Creamy mushroom soup is one of those dishes that walks the line between rustic comfort and restaurant-worthy sophistication. It’s rich without being heavy. It’s deeply savoury and full of umami. This is the kind of flavour that keeps you dipping your spoon in again and again. And when you make it from scratch, it’s not only more flavourful, but also healthier and infinitely customizable.

Why It Works:

• Easy to make: Just chop, sauté, simmer, and blend.
• Budget-friendly: Mushrooms, onions, and broth go a long way.
• Flexible: Easily made vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free.
• Satisfying texture: Creamy without needing a lot of cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp oil or butter (30g)
• 500g mushrooms (button, cremini, or a mix), sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 small pinch of dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 2 tsp beef stock powder (veggie stock if you want it vegetarian)
• 1/4 cup plain flour (for thickening)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour and thyme over the mushrooms, stir well, and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the milk while stirring with a whisk. Stir in beef stock powder.
5. Bring to a simmer, stirring consistently. It is ready once it has thickened
6. Once thickened, stir in the cream.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired texture (smooth or a bit chunky).
8. Season with salt and pepper.

🍽 How to Serve:

• With crusty sourdough or toasted garlic bread.
• A drizzle of cream or truffle oil on top.
• Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.

🍄 Mushroom Tips:

You don’t need fancy mushrooms to make a delicious soup, but using a blend can elevate the flavour. Here’s a breakdown:

• White button mushrooms – Mild and easy to find.
• Cremini (baby bella) – Slightly earthier and richer.
• Portobello – Deep, meaty flavor, great for a heartier soup.
• Shiitake or wild mushrooms – Add complexity and umami if you’re feeling adventurous.

🥣 Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Mushroom Soup:

• Sauté your mushrooms well: Don’t rush this step. Let them cook until they release their moisture and start to brown—that’s where the deep, savoury flavour comes from.
• Don’t skip the aromatics: onion and thyme form the base of the flavour. Sauté them slowly to draw out their sweetness and depth.
• Blend for creaminess: An immersion blender makes this super easy and mess-free, but a countertop blender works too. Blend until smooth or leave a few chunks for texture.
• Taste and season well: mushrooms absorb flavor—don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Taste at the end and adjust as needed.
• Garnish for texture: Add toppings like sautéed mushroom slices or a swirl of cream. Consider fresh thyme or even crispy croutons for added texture. These enhance visual appeal.

Potato and Leek Soup

Silky, Satisfying, and Classic

Potato and leek soup is the unsung hero of the soup world. This soup is creamy without requiring actual cream (unless you want it). It is slightly sweet from sautéed leeks. It is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. This soup is a staple in many kitchens for good reason. It’s humble, comforting, and endlessly adaptable.

Why It Works:

• Simple ingredients: Potatoes, leeks, broth, and seasoning.
• Naturally creamy: Potatoes break down into a velvety texture when blended.
• Quick to prepare: From prep to bowl in under an hour.
• Versatile: Easy to veganize, freeze, or dress up with toppings.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp oil or butter (30g)
• 2 large leeks, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 750g potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 1/2 liters water (or the equivalent of vegetable broth)
• 3 garlic cloves, whole
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 4 tsp vegetable stock powder (if you are using water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
• Drizzle of cream for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add leeks and onion and sauté until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add in potatoes and water (or broth if using).
3. Stir in vegetable stock powder, onion powder, garlic powder and fresh garlic.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Stir in frozen peas and allow to soften for a few minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches) to purée until smooth.
7. Drizzle with cream if using and season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired.

🍽 Serving Suggestions:

• Add crumbled bacon or vegan “bacon” for texture
• A sprinkle of shredded cheese or nutritional yeast
• Serve with a green salad or hearty toast

🧅 All About Leeks:

Leeks are part of the allium family (think onions and garlic). They have a much more delicate flavour. It’s slightly sweet and mellow. This makes them ideal for soup, where they act as a gentle aromatic base without overpowering the dish.

Cleaning Tip: Leeks are notorious for hiding dirt between their layers. Slice them first. Then submerge the slices in a bowl of cold water. Swish them around to release grit. Let the grit settle at the bottom and lift the leeks out with your hands or a slotted spoon.

🥣 Pro Tips for Perfect Potato and Leek Soup:

• Control the texture: Blend fully for a smooth, velvety soup, or blend just partially to keep some rustic chunks.
• Add depth: Add a bay leaf during simmering. A splash of white wine can also subtly deepen the flavor. You might also consider a pinch of nutmeg for added depth.
• Add greens: Stir in spinach, kale or peas at the end for added nutrients and colour.
• Cream optional: A little cream or plant milk adds richness, but the soup is already creamy enough on its own.

Other Recipes and Links

To watch me make these soups, head over to the YouTube channel: Results Of The Poll Are In: Which Two Soups Won?

Here is a recipe for the softest, easiest bread rolls ever

Or try this crusty loaf

Final Thoughts

Both Creamy Mushroom Soup and Potato and Leek Soup are beautiful examples. Just a few simple ingredients can transform into something greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re cooking on a budget, or feeding your family, these soups offer comfort. If you are looking to slow down and savor a homemade meal, they provide nourishment and flexibility.

And perhaps best of all—they’re beginner-friendly. No fancy equipment, no hard-to-pronounce ingredients, and no need for perfection. Just a cutting board, a pot, and a little love.

Make a batch, store leftovers, and enjoy the gift of homemade soup any day of the week.