Ep 6. Mushroom Bisque

Joanna Gaines is back with another episode of Magnolia Table, season 7 episode 6, titled "Mushroom Bisque." This week, Joanna is taking us on a journey to create a delectable, warm and savory soup that will tantalize our taste buds and leave us satisfied.

In this episode, the focus is on mushrooms, and Joanna shares her favorite mushroom bisque recipe. This creamy, smooth soup is packed with the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms, and Joanna shows us how to make it from scratch, using fresh mushrooms, aromatic vegetables, and a few key ingredients that help to build the soup's flavor.

We start with the mushrooms, as Joanna explains that the secret to a great mushroom bisque is to use a variety of mushrooms. She begins by sautéing shiitake mushrooms and portobello mushrooms in a hot skillet, gradually adding cremini mushrooms and white button mushrooms to create a rich, complex flavor. As the mushrooms cook down, they release their juices and create a fragrant, earthy aroma that fills the kitchen.

Next, Joanna adds onions, garlic, and celery to the skillet, sautéing them until they are soft and fragrant. She sprinkles in a pinch of thyme and a splash of white wine, which not only deepen the flavor of the soup but also help to deglaze the skillet and incorporate any of the flavorful bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan.

With the base of the soup ready, Joanna adds chicken broth, heavy cream, and a bay leaf to the pot and brings it to a simmer. She explains that the key to a creamy bisque is to let the flavors meld together over a low heat, so the soup has time to thicken and develop its rich, velvety texture. As the soup simmers, Joanna dishes out a piece of advice: To lighten the soup, you can replace the heavy cream with a nut-based milk like almond or cashew milk.

After the soup has simmered for about an hour, Joanna removes the bay leaf and pours the contents of the pot into a blender. She blends the soup until it's smooth and creamy, then returns it to the pot to warm it up. To finish the dish, she ladles the soup into bowls and garnishes it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh herbs.

As Joanna sits down to enjoy her creation, she reflects on the comfort that soup provides. She explains that soup is one of those dishes that can be customized to fit our needs, whether it's to warm us up on a cold day, to cure a flu or illness, or simply to indulge in the earthy flavor of mushrooms.

Overall, "Mushroom Bisque" is a delicious episode of Magnolia Table that showcases Joanna Gaines' talent for creating simple, flavorful dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll find something to love in this episode, as Joanna shares her secrets for making a delicious, comforting soup that will keep you coming back for more.