Description

Creamy Mushroom Pastina Soup is a cozy, nourishing, and comforting bowl packed with earthy mushrooms, velvety plant-based cream, and tiny pastina pasta that adds delightful texture. Enhanced with smoked turkey bacon, fresh thyme, warm spices, and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural), this dairy-free and plant-based soup is perfect for busy evenings or soul-soothing meals to share with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Aromatics and Proteins

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Mushrooms and Pasta

12 ounces fresh mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
1 cup pastina pasta

Liquids and Seasonings

4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 sprigs fresh thyme

Cream and Thickener

1/2 cup plant-based cream
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent dissolved in warm broth

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until soft and fragrant. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until it begins to crisp, infusing the base with smoky richness.
Cook and Brown the Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the pot, stirring frequently to allow them to release moisture and brown nicely, building the soup’s deep umami flavor.
Deglaze and Add Broth: Pour in apple cider vinegar (natural) to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add vegetable broth and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add Pastina and Spices: Stir in pastina pasta, black pepper, nutmeg, and thyme sprigs. Simmer until pasta is tender and flavors meld.
Finish with Plant-Based Cream and Natural Gelling Agent: Lower the heat. Stir in plant-based cream for a luxurious texture. Add dissolved natural gelling agent to thicken soup gently without overpowering flavors.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve Hot: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or apple cider vinegar (natural) as needed. Remove thyme sprigs before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor and texture.
Allow mushrooms to brown well to enhance umami depth.
Cook pastina separately in broth until al dente for optimal texture if preferred.
Stir gently after adding cream and gelling agent to maintain smooth consistency.
Add herbs like thyme near the end of cooking to preserve fresh aroma.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: mushroom soup, creamy soup, pastina pasta, plant-based soup, dairy-free soup, comforting soup, quick soup recipe