Mushroom Soup with Blue Cheese toasts

Some days call for comfort — not the kind that distracts or numbs, but the kind that brings us back to ourselves. The quiet ritual of cooking can do that. The slow rhythm of chopping, stirring, tasting — it’s a way to return to the present moment, to soften the noise of the day, and to feel grounded again.

Mushroom soup, for me, is that kind of comfort. Earthy, nourishing, and uncomplicated. A reminder that balance doesn’t have to be elaborate — sometimes it’s found in a bowl of something warm, made slowly, and eaten with attention.

You will need:

600g Button Mushrooms, roughly chopped

250g Chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped

50g Shiitake Mushrooms, sliced

6 sprigs of fresh thyme or 2 tsp dried thyme

1 leek, sliced

1 onion, diced

2 cloves of garlic, sliced

1 litre of vegetable stock

4 tbsp creme fraiche

sourdough bread, sliced

soft blue cheese

seasoning

olive oil

a handful of chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish

Method:

• Heat some olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add in the leek and onion and sauté for a few minutes. Add in the garlic and continue to sauté until translucent.

• Add in the button mushrooms and chestnut mushrooms with either the fresh or dried thyme. Continue to stir until softened and juices are forming.

• Add the stock along with the shiitake mushrooms and bring to a simmer. Cook for around 15 minutes.

• Remove the fresh thyme (if used) and add in the creme fraiche.

• Puree the soup in a blender, add seasoning as required.

• Meanwhile toast your sourdough and spread with the blue cheese.

• Top with parsley to garnish

• Season to taste

• Enjoy!!

Yield: 4-6 Portions

NOTES:

• If you are vegan you can leave the creme fraiche and blue cheese. As an alternative to the creme fraiche try adding a dollop of coconut yoghurt to your soup once blended and served for a creamier consistency.

Mindful Moment

Before you eat, take a quiet pause.

Notice the warmth rising from your bowl, the earthy scent of mushrooms, the softness of the broth.

Send a quiet message of gratitude for your food. Let this be more than a meal — let it be a moment to land.

As you take your first spoonful, feel your breath slow down. Allow the simple act of nourishment ground you.

You might ask yourself: What do I need today — comfort, clarity, rest?
Whatever your answer, let this meal be a gentle response.

If you need further guidance with mindful eating please find ‘The Seeds you Water’ podcast linked here with further guidance for you.