Creamy Portobello Soup

Bart made this soup for us the other day. It is so incredibly delicious! I loved the ham with it as it made the soup quite filling. The leeks add a subtle flavor that complements the mushrooms perfectly!

Creamy Portobello Soup
Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 8-ounce ham steak, diced
4 leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 5-inch portobello mushroom caps, stemmed and chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons dry sherry or madeira wine (optional--Bart used a little fresh lemon juice instead)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
Crusty bread, for serving (optional)


Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium-high heat and cook until lightly browned. Add the ham and cook until slightly browned, about 3 minutes. Remove the ham with a slotted spoon to a plate. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter, 1 cup leeks, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook 4 minutes, then add to the plate; set aside.


Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, leeks, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste to the pot; cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons sherry, if using, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until evaporated. Add the broth and 2 cups water. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the mushrooms are tender, 8 to 10 minutes.


Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth, cracking the lid to let steam escape. Return to the pot, whisk in the half-and-half and bring just to a boil. Stir in three-quarters of the ham-leek mixture, the remaining 1 tablespoon sherry, if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with the remaining ham and leeks.