Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving something warm and grounding, there’s nothing quite like a deeply savory, creamy blended soup. This Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup is one of those simple, nourishing recipes that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is. It’s dairy-free, rich without being heavy, and loaded with whole-food ingredients that offer both comfort and functional nutrition.

The star flavors come from slowly caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and silky coconut milk. With just a handful of ingredients, this soup becomes a cozy weeknight staple or a meal-prep go-to that stores beautifully and reheats like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Deep, rich flavor from minimal ingredients
Caramelized onion and cremini mushrooms form a naturally savory base that tastes restaurant-level with almost no effort.

Nourishing & digestion-friendly
Coconut milk adds healthy fats for satiety and smooth digestion, while mushrooms support immunity and gut health.

Completely dairy-free & gluten-free
Creamy without cream — perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or wanting a lighter, plant-focused meal.

Meal-prep friendly
The flavors get even better the next day. Make it once, enjoy it twice.

 
 


Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 1 medium leek, trimmed and chopped

  • 10 cremini mushrooms, sliced

  • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups canned coconut milk (plus more for garnish)

  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, plus extra for serving


Directions

  1. Caramelize the onions:
    Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden.

  2. Build the flavor:
    Add the chopped leeks and mushrooms. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season generously with salt and pepper.

  3. Simmer:
    Pour in the coconut milk, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook on low for 20–25 minutes.

  4. Blend:
    Use an immersion blender, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender, blending until completely smooth and creamy.

  5. Serve:
    Divide into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk, a few extra mushrooms and fresh dill for garnish. Enjoy this warm and cozy soup.


Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 493
Protein: ~7 g
Carbohydrates: ~23 g
Fat: ~42 g
(Exact macros may vary based on the coconut milk brand.)


Flavor Notes & Ingredient Benefits

Caramelized Onion
Adds natural sweetness and depth. Onions are rich in antioxidants and support digestion.

Leeks
Milder than onions but equally flavorful, leeks contain prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

Cremini Mushrooms
Earthy, savory, and grounding — mushrooms support immune health and provide minerals like selenium and copper.

Coconut Milk
Creates a luscious, silky texture. The healthy fats help keep you full and stabilize energy levels.

Fresh Dill
Brightens the whole dish and adds freshness to balance the richness.


Simple Modifications & Flavor Variations

This soup is incredibly customizable. Here are some of the best (and easiest) ways to change up the flavor or nutrition:

Add More Protein

  • Stir in white beans before blending

  • Top with shredded chicken

  • Add a scoop of unflavored collagen before serving

  • Blend in 1/2 cup soft tofu

For a Heartier, Thicker Soup
Add 1 medium Yukon gold potato (cubed) or 1 cup cooked white beans before simmering.

For More Vegetables
Blend in spinach, kale, or roasted cauliflower.

For a Mediterranean Twist
Add oregano, thyme, or rosemary while simmering.

For a Warm, Cozy Kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

For Brightness
Finish with lemon juice or zest.

For Lighter Texture
Add 1/2–1 cup water or broth during simmering.


Tips for the Best Soup

Caramelize, don’t rush.
Letting the onions turn golden adds the backbone of flavor.

Use full-fat coconut milk.
This gives the soup body and richness you won’t achieve with lite versions.

Blend until silky smooth.
A high-speed blender makes the texture ultra-creamy.

Taste and season at the end.
Blended soups often need an extra pinch of salt to come alive.


Serving Ideas

  • Enjoy with crusty sourdough

  • Add roasted chickpeas on top

  • Pair with a simple arugula salad

  • Serve over quinoa for added texture and fiber

This is one of my favorite soups - almost a blend of french onion with a creaminess to it and complexity of the mushrooms. Enjoy and let us know if you try it in the comments! - Margot

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