Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines earthy mushrooms with tender pearl couscous in a rich, creamy broth. This soup is perfect for chilly days and makes for a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Timing

Making Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.

Step 2: Add Broth and Couscous

1. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Add Couscous: Stir in the pearl couscous and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the couscous is tender.

Step 3: Make it Creamy

1. Add Cream: Once the couscous is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 4: Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	8g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	36g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Different Mushrooms: Experiment with a mix of mushrooms such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster for varied flavors.
• Make it Vegan: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of mushrooms with the comforting texture of cream and couscous. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is sure to warm you up and delight your taste buds!