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    Home » Recipes » Vegan Mushroom Soup with Tarragon

    Vegan Mushroom Soup with Tarragon

    Nov 10, 2021 by The Pesky Vegan | 12 Comments

    251 shares
    Jump to Recipe >

    This vegan mushroom soup is healthy, filling, and packed full of flavour. Featuring tarragon and wholegrain mustard, it makes for a delicious lunch or light dinner that's low-fat, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

    Vegan Mushroom Soup in Bowl with Cream and Parsley

    I'm not sure when or why I started playing around with tarragon as an ingredient in mushroom soup, but I'm glad I did. There's something about the combination of flavours that has me absolutely hooked.

    If you're a tarragon fan – or want to experiment more with it – you should also take a look at this creamy tempeh pasta and broccoli and potato soup.

    I create new content every single week. Subscribe to keep in touch and get a free download of The Vegan Kitchen – My Top 10 Tips.

    Vegan Mushroom Soup Pictured with Selected Ingredients

    Is mushroom soup healthy?

    Mushroom and tarragon soup is a very healthy option for a light lunch or appetiser. Edible mushrooms are virtually fat-free, low in calories, and contain varying degrees of protein and fibre.

    In one serving of this recipe you’ll find:

    • Calories: 159 kcal
    • Vitamin D: 19 µg (127% of RDA)
    • Potassium: 1004 mg (29% of RDA)

    Mushrooms also contain B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.

    Which mushrooms are best for making soup?

    Fresh Chestnut Cremini Mushrooms in Bowl

    I've used chestnut (or cremini) mushrooms in this recipe, but you could use closed cup, button, or portobello (these are all just variants of the same agaricus bisporus family). In fact, I've used a mix in this recipe for vegan cream of mushroom soup.

    One of the main differences I've noticed is the colour of the final soup. Portobello mushrooms will likely result in a darker soup, whereas chestnut mushrooms will probably give you a lighter brown soup.

    Either way, you'll get the best results from mushrooms that are nice and fresh. If you have an abundance of fancier wild mushrooms to hand, by all means pair them with the tarragon in this recipe and let me know what you think! Alternatively, throw them into this creamy vegan mushroom pasta.

    What you'll need

    This hearty mushroom soup uses simple ingredients from the plant and fungi kingdoms. You'll need:

    • Fresh mushrooms as the star of the show
    • Leeks and garlic to create the base
    • Dried tarragon for its distinctive taste
    • Depth of flavour in the form of bay leaves, nutritional yeast, and wholegrain mustard
    List of Ingredients to Make Vegan Mushroom Soup with Tarragon

    How to make vegan mushroom soup with tarragon

    Heat the oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 4-5 minutes or until starting to soften, stirring regularly (1).

    Once the leeks have started to soften, add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

    Process Shots Showing How to Make Mushroom Soup

    Next, add the mushrooms and cook for 7-8 minutes or until they begin to soften (2). There will be some liquid from the mushrooms, so it can help to turn up the heat here to really get them going.

    Once soft, add in the tarragon, bay leaves, wholegrain mustard, and vegan stock (3). If using nutritional yeast, also add this.

    Season well with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, add the plant-based milk and adjust the seasoning. Simmer for another couple of minutes.

    Blended Mushroom Soup in Pan

    Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves, and blitz using a hand blender. You could also transfer to a larger, more powerful blender (working in batches if necessary).

    Tips for thickening mushroom soup

    • Less liquid: If you want to make sure you have a thick soup, don’t use all the stock at the start. If the soup is too thick after blending, you can simply add a little more liquid at that point.
    • Potato: Cut one or two medium potatoes into 1 cm chunks and add to the pan along with the stock. The total cooking time for this recipe will increase by around 10 minutes, at which point you should be able to easily pierce the potatoes with a knife.
    • Cornflour (cornstarch): To thicken with cornflour, combine equal parts of this with cold water in a separate jug or bowl before adding. Start with 2 tablespoons and increase from there if necessary.

    Serving suggestions

    I like this soup with chopped fresh parsley and crusty bread. You could also drizzle over extra-virgin olive oil, or stir through some homemade cashew cream or plant-based crème fraiche.

    If you really want to mix it up, try stirring through a delicious dollop of homemade pesto and sprinkling with pine nuts or roasted squash seeds.

    Dairy-Free Mushroom Soup with Cashew Cream and Parsley

    Recipe FAQ

    Is this recipe gluten-free?

    If you need to ensure that this is 100% gluten-free, use a vegan stock and plant-based milk that are certified or labelled as such. You’ll want to do the same for any vegan cream etc. that you use when serving.

    How long will this keep in the fridge?

    Store this soup in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on low heat, adding a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen it up.

    Can I freeze it?

    This mushroom soup freezes very well for up to six months, so it’s worth making a big batch and then storing it in the freezer for an easy lunch or dinner. Defrost for a few hours before reheating on the hob, adding a touch more water or plant-based milk if necessary.

    Variations and tips

    • Fresh tarragon: If using fresh tarragon, the general rule is to use approx. three times as much as dried. So in this case, approx. three tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon.
    • Nutritional yeast: This is optional, but I love the cheesy umami flavour it adds to soups. It’s also a good source of vitamin B12.
    • Plant-based milk: My personal preferences would be oat, cashew, or soya milk. You could also try tinned coconut milk, but just be aware that this will significantly increase the fat and saturated fat in the recipe.

    Hey you – let me know what you think

    If you made this recipe and enjoyed it – or did anything differently – I'd love to hear from you down below in the comments 👇

    You can also find me and let me know on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook @thepeskyvegan 🌿

    Keep in touch

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    More vegan recipe ideas

    If you liked this recipe, you may also enjoy:

    • Broccoli, Potato and Tarragon Soup
    • Smoky Mushroom and Red Lentil Pâté
    • Ultimate Vegan Haggis
    • Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
    • Vegan Scotch Broth
    • Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Soup
    • Easy Vegan Pea and Mint Soup
    • Pinto Bean Soup with Chilli and Lime

    You can also check out my full list of vegan soup recipes.

    Vegan Mushroom Soup Pictured with Selected Ingredients

    Vegan Mushroom Soup with Tarragon

    The Pesky Vegan
    This vegan mushroom soup is healthy, filling, and packed full of flavour. Featuring tarragon and wholegrain mustard, it makes for a delicious lunch or light dinner that's low-fat, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Rate this Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine Gluten-free, Vegan
    Servings 4
    Calories 159 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or plant-based butter)
    • 2-3 leeks, trimmed, cut lengthways, and sliced (or sub onions)
    • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
    • 1.5 lbs (700 g) chestnut mushrooms, sliced (you could use any mushrooms you like)
    • 1 level tablespoon dried tarragon
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1½ teaspoons wholegrain mustard
    • 4 cups (1 litre) vegan stock (plus more if necessary)
    • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
    • ¾ cup (180 ml) unsweetened plant-based milk
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley, to serve
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 4-5 minutes or until starting to soften, stirring regularly.
    • Once the leeks have started to soften, add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
    • Next, add the mushrooms and cook for 7-8 minutes or until they begin to soften. There will be some liquid from the mushrooms, so it can help to turn up the heat here to really get them going.
    • Once soft, add in the tarragon, bay leaves, wholegrain mustard, and vegan stock. If using nutritional yeast, also add this. Season well with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
    • After 5 minutes, add the plant-based milk and adjust the seasoning. Simmer for another couple of minutes.
    • Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves, and blitz using a hand blender. You could also transfer to a larger, more powerful blender (working in batches if necessary).
    • Serve with a drizzle of cashew cream, chopped fresh parsley, and crusty bread.
    Rate this recipe 👇

    Notes

    Mushrooms: I've used chestnut (or cremini) mushrooms in this recipe, but you could use closed cup, button, portobello, or even wild mushrooms.
    Fresh tarragon: If using fresh tarragon, the general rule is to use approx. three times as much as dried. So in this case, approx. three tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon.
    Save some stock: If you want to make sure you have a thick soup, don’t use all the stock at the start. If the soup is too thick after blending, you can simply add a little more liquid at that point.
    Thicken with potato: To do this, cut one or two medium potatoes into 1 cm chunks and add to the pan along with the stock. The total cooking time for this recipe will increase by around 10 minutes, at which point you should be able to easily pierce the potatoes with a knife.
    Plant-based milk: My personal preferences would be oat, cashew, or soya milk. You could also try tinned coconut milk, but just be aware that this will significantly increase the fat and saturated fat in the recipe. 
    Gluten-free: If you need to ensure that this recipe is 100% gluten-free, use a vegan stock and plant-based milk that are certified or labelled as such. You’ll want to do the same for any vegan cream etc. that you use when serving.
    Storage: You can store this soup in the fridge for up to four days or freezer for up to six months.
    If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy:
    • Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • Smoky Mushroom and Red Lentil Pâté
    • Ultimate Vegan Haggis
    • Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
    • Vegan Scotch Broth
    • Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Soup
    • Easy Vegan Pea and Mint Soup
    • Pinto Bean Soup with Chilli and Lime
     
    * The nutrition info below is for one serving of the soup, based on a total of six servings.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 354mgPotassium: 1004mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 912IUVitamin C: 7mgVitamin D: 19µgCalcium: 147mgIron: 3mg
    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan Mushroom Soup with Tarragon
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 159 Calories from Fat 45
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 5g8%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    Sodium 354mg15%
    Potassium 1004mg29%
    Carbohydrates 24g8%
    Fiber 4g17%
    Sugar 9g10%
    Protein 9g18%
    Vitamin A 912IU18%
    Vitamin C 7mg8%
    Vitamin D 19µg127%
    Calcium 147mg15%
    Iron 3mg17%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Keyword dairy-free mushroom soup, healthy vegan recipe, vegan soup
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment down below or tag me on Instagram @thepeskyvegan along with the hashtag #thepeskyvegan

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Teresa Shelly

      June 19, 2022 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      Used fresh tarragon in this with oat milk and added potato. Thick, creamy and really tasty. Plenty to have over a couple of days. Will be making this again. Thanks for a great recipe and handy hints.

      Reply
      • The Pesky Vegan

        June 20, 2022 at 9:32 pm

        Good stuff, thanks very much for the review!

        Reply
    2. Alocasia

      December 06, 2021 at 7:59 pm

      Can I substitute stoneground mustard for the whole grain? If so, should I add some celery seed as well?

      Reply
      • The Pesky Vegan

        December 06, 2021 at 8:42 pm

        Hi there! Yes I don't see any reason not to substitute the mustard variety. I haven't cooked with celery seed so I'm not 100% sure, but I'd say this isn't strictly necessary unless you'd like to add it!

        Reply
        • Alocasia

          December 08, 2021 at 5:04 pm

          5 stars
          This soup came out great. The reason I mentioned the celery seed was because while looking for a substitute for the whole grain mustard it suggested stone ground mixed with some celery seed. When I realized what a small amount was called for I just used the stone ground. Next....Scotch Broth. Thanks! 🙂

          Reply
          • The Pesky Vegan

            December 08, 2021 at 10:18 pm

            I see, that's interesting! Glad you enjoyed and thanks for the review - let me know how you get on with the Scotch broth!

            Reply
    3. Hazel Clough

      February 11, 2021 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this soup on a recent visit to Scotland, so chuffed when I found your recipe.
      It didnt disappoint, absolutely gorgeous. Its a favourite for me and my Family, and a regular for us during these winter months.

      Reply
      • The Pesky Vegan

        February 12, 2021 at 9:27 am

        Thanks very much for the review - I haven't made this soup for a few months now and you've prompted me to do it again!

        Reply
    4. Paul

      April 01, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      4 stars
      Enjoyed this one! And was my first use of what I believe the kids call 'nooch'. Exciting times!

      Reply
      • The Pesky Vegan

        April 02, 2020 at 10:07 am

        Glad you enjoyed it! Welcome to the world of nutritional yeast.

        Reply
    5. Vicky Storey

      March 11, 2020 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      Yummy soup! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • The Pesky Vegan

        March 11, 2020 at 6:41 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it pal!

        Reply

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