Joy Bauer Just Shared a Simple Mushroom Soup Recipe That's Perfect for Cold & Flu Season

We've got our spoons at the ready!

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

As the weather gets colder, we at EatingWell are more and more likely to reach for our trusty soup pots and slow cookers. At the end of a brisk, chilly day, sometimes you just need a piping hot bowl of soup to warm you up. And if you're the kind of person who likes to meal-prep work lunches, a big pot of soup can be the easiest way to set yourself up for the week.

Related: 23 Healthy Soup Recipes You Can Pack for Work

If you're in the market for a new soup recipe to add to your rotation, Joy Bauer's latest creamy concoction should definitely be on your list. The TODAY show dietitian shared her recipe on Instagram this week, and we're eager to give it a shot. The dairy-free, but super-creamy, Cream of Mushroom Soup is a big win for mushroom lovers, vegans and anyone who enjoys an easy soup recipe.

As Bauer shares on her website, the soup only has a handful of ingredients, many of which are standard pantry staples. You'll need a whole bunch—as in 2 pounds—of mushrooms, onions, olive oil, thyme, garlic, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. You can use whatever mushrooms you want, so feel free to use your favorite fungi or opt for whatever's on sale at the supermarket.

Related: 20 Mushroom Recipes You'll Want to Make Forever

Making the soup is just as easy as you might think. Simply cook down the mushrooms in a little oil, then add the onions, thyme, garlic and some salt. Cook the veggie mixture until your onions begin to brown. Then add in your beans and continue cooking for a few minutes. Add the broth, then use an immersion blender to make the soup as creamy as you want. Just blend until the soup reaches your ideal consistency. When everything is combined, swirl in the vinegar and add salt and pepper to taste. Then you're ready to dish it up.

If you don't have an immersion blender, don't fret. You can carefully blend this soup in batches, taking out a couple cups at a time and pureeing them in your blender. Just be careful while blending hot liquids, which will release steam as they blend. We recommend taking the center piece off of your blender lid and covering it with a clean dish cloth. That way, you can avoid splatters and stay safe in the kitchen.

Related: 12 Satisfying Mushroom Soup Recipes to Keep You Warm All Winter

This soup reminds us of some of our must-make recipes during soup season, like this Slow-Cooker Mushroom Soup with Sherry and our Creamy Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup. Even when the weather gets really chilly, your produce department is still likely to have a good selection of mushrooms, so a fun fungi soup is perfect to make all year round. Plus, mushrooms aren't just a tasty canvas for all your favorite seasonings—they're also a healthy ingredient.

Mushrooms are rich with selenium, a potent antioxidant that may help with cardiovascular disease and thyroid disease. The earthy vegetable is packed with nutrients like potassium, vitamin D and vitamin B, too. Mushrooms also contain chitosan, which can have some antimicrobial properties to help fight bacteria during cold and flu season. A creamy, cozy bowl of mushroom soup can warm you up and help you get your fill of the nutrients you need to face the day.

Plus, the other ingredients in this soup keep things simple and delicious while also adding a healthy spin. Olive oil, beans, garlic and thyme are all great foods to help you eat an anti-inflammatory diet, and the beans work to make the soup creamier and add a little staying power as a source of fiber and protein.

Related: Joy Bauer's Ani-Inflammatory Sippable Soup Is Perfect for Cold and Flu Season

Of course, there are other things you can do to keep yourself safe during this sniffly season—when you're not whipping up a bowl of this soup, be sure to wash your hands carefully, sleep well and stay active. A balanced eating pattern can also help you remain unscathed during cold and flu season, so feel free to dish up plenty of this creamy veggie soup.

Read the original article on Eating Well.