Country Mushroom Soup

By draingal

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 to 2 bay leaves
• 2/3 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 to 5 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (about 1 pound)
• 2/3 cup half-and-half cream or milk

Preparation

Step 1

In a 2-qt. saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in broth until smooth. Add salt, pepper and bay leaves. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, in another saucepan, saute the celery and onion in oil until tender. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until tender. Add to broth mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cream; heat through. Discard bay leaves.
Yield: 4 servings.