The Perfect Post-Trail Warmer-Upper: Mushroom Soup

We’re deep into the winter season, and we’re loving getting outside and turning our winter Blahs into Ahhhs along the Trans Canada Trail. We’ve got a suggestion for a super cozy mushroom soup, ideal for a post-Trail outing. 

Vegan mushroom soup with cashews 

This soup is savoury and comforting – a true dream for the mushroom fans among us. 

Photo credit: Amy Schwartz

Ingredients 

• 16 ounces (454 g) fresh mushrooms — we suggest a variety 

• 3 tablespoons (45 mL) olive oil, divided 

• 1 onion, medium, finely chopped 

• 4-8 cloves of garlic, diced (use the higher end of the range if you like a stronger taste) 

• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) wine vinegar 

• Salt and pepper, to taste 

• 4 cups (1L) vegetable broth 

• 1/2 cup (70 g) raw cashews 

• 1 tablespoon (5 g) miso paste 

• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) soy sauce 

• Bouquet garni (optional): tie together1 large sprig rosemary, 2 sprigs thyme, 2 bay leaves 

Photo credit: Amy Schwartz

How to prepare 

1. Slice fresh mushrooms, discarding rough ends and removing the stems. 

2. In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil, then add the onions and sauté until starting to soften. Add garlic and sauté another 1-2 minutes. 

3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil and the mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 

4. Add vegetable stock and bouquet garni, if using, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. 

5. Remove the bouquet garni. 

6. Transfer half the soup to a blender, adding cashews, miso and soy sauce. Blend until smooth. 

7. Add the blended soup back into the pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes. 

8. Add wine vinegar, and salt and pepper,  to taste. 

9. Enjoy! 

Recipe adapted from Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup – Rainbow Plant Life 

Photo credit: Amy Schwartz

About the Trans Canada Trail 

Stretching nearly 30,000 kilometres across every province and territory, the Trans Canada Trail is cared for locally by trail and community groups. As a charity, Trans Canada Trail advocates for and stewards this extensive trail system, helping ensure people can access nature, safely and at no cost, in their own communities. We support community-led trail projects through the Trail Catalyst Fund and we share reliable trail knowledge through the Centre for Trail Excellence. 

Main photo credit: Amy Schwartz