This is a common question that many people have when looking at soup recipes or ordering soup at a restaurant. At first glance, golden mushroom soup and regular mushroom soup may seem very similar. However, there are some key differences between these two soups that set them apart.
What is Golden Mushroom Soup?
Golden mushroom soup has a rich, golden broth that comes from the addition of ingredients like egg yolks or cream. The egg yolks and/or cream are whisked into the hot soup right before serving, which gives the broth a velvety texture and golden hue. The soup is sometimes also known as yellow mushroom soup or egg drop soup.
In addition to the egg/cream, golden mushroom soup typically contains ingredients like:
- Sliced mushrooms – A combination of mushroom varieties like white, cremini, and shiitake
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Flour or cornstarch to thicken
- Herbs like parsley, thyme, bay leaf
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
The egg or cream mixture is drizzled into the hot soup in thin streams right at the end. This creates ribbons or egg droplets in the broth. The result is a creamy, decadent, golden-hued soup.
What is Mushroom Soup?
Regular mushroom soup has a more translucent, brownish broth. It is made from mushroom stock and sautéed mushrooms, without the addition of egg or cream.
It typically contains:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Onions
- Garlic
- Mushroom or vegetable stock
- Flour or cornstarch to thicken
- Herbs like thyme, parsley, sage
- Salt and pepper
The mushrooms are sautéed in butter or oil to bring out their earthy, umami flavor before the stock is added. The soup may be finished with a splash of cream or milk, but does not contain egg like golden mushroom soup.
Differences Between the Two Soups
While both soups contain mushrooms, onions, garlic, and broth, there are a few key differences between golden mushroom soup and regular mushroom soup:
- Color – The egg or cream makes golden mushroom soup have a rich, golden color while regular mushroom soup is more grey-brown.
- Texture – Golden mushroom soup has a silky, velvety texture from the egg and/or cream. Regular mushroom soup has a thinner, more broth-like consistency.
- Flavor – The egg gives golden mushroom soup a slightly eggy taste and the cream contributes a creamy flavor. Regular mushroom soup has a more purely mushroom and broth flavor.
- Ingredients – The defining ingredient in golden mushroom soup is the egg and/or cream. Regular mushroom soup relies on mushroom stock for flavor rather than egg or cream.
While subtle, these differences in appearance, texture, and taste set the two soups apart.
Nutrition
There are also some differences in nutrition between the two soups:
| Nutrient | Golden Mushroom Soup (1 cup) | Mushroom Soup (1 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 165 | 80 |
| Total Fat | 12 g | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg | 5 mg |
| Sodium | 650 mg | 480 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8 g | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g | 2 g |
| Sugars | 2 g | 2 g |
| Protein | 4 g | 3 g |
As you can see, golden mushroom soup contains significantly more calories, fat, and cholesterol than regular mushroom soup. This is due to the addition of egg and cream. Golden mushroom soup is richer and more decadent, while regular mushroom soup is lighter and healthier.
Uses
In terms of uses, golden mushroom soup and regular mushroom soup can typically be used interchangeably in recipes. Some examples include:
- Served as a first course or soup starter
- Used as a base for casseroles and pot pies
- Added to dishes like stuffed mushrooms or mushroom risotto
- Drizzled over steaks, chicken, or seafood
- Added to dips, gravies, and sauces for extra flavor
The main difference is that golden mushroom soup will add a richer, more indulgent flavor and texture due to the egg and cream. So it may be better suited to more decadent dishes. Regular mushroom soup has a lighter taste that may work better in gravies or vegetable dishes.
Cost
Golden mushroom soup often costs a bit more than regular canned mushroom soup. Here are some average prices:
| Soup | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Golden Mushroom Soup (condensed, 10.5 oz can) | $2.50-$3.50 |
| Regular Mushroom Soup (condensed, 10.5 oz can) | $1.50-$2.50 |
The cream and egg in golden mushroom soup make it a more expensive product. There is also more involved in making it from scratch. However, the cost difference is usually only $1-2 per can.
Availability
While you can find regular canned mushroom soup in any supermarket, golden mushroom soup may be harder to locate. Here is a comparison of where the two soups are typically available:
- Regular mushroom soup – Sold in the soup aisle of all major grocery stores, widely available
- Golden mushroom soup – Less common in stores, sometimes found seasonally around the holidays when it is used in casseroles
- Online – Both soups available online through sites like Amazon
- Restaurants – Regular mushroom soup frequently used; golden mushroom soup rarely seen on menus
Your best bet to find golden mushroom soup may be to order it online or make it from scratch. It is not as readily available as the regular version.
Making from Scratch
If you cannot find prepared golden mushroom soup, you can make it at home relatively easily. Here is a basic recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 lb mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté mushrooms, onions and garlic in the butter until softened.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Temper the egg yolks by slowly whisking in about 1/2 cup of the hot soup.
- Gradually stir the egg yolk mixture back into the soup.
- Add the cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat through but do not boil. Serve warm.
This will yield around 6 servings. The soup keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
While golden mushroom soup and regular mushroom soup have some similarities, they are different in several ways:
- Golden mushroom soup contains egg and/or cream, making it more rich, decadent and golden in color.
- Regular mushroom soup relies on mushroom stock and has a thinner, translucent brown broth.
- Golden mushroom soup has a velvety texture while regular mushroom soup is more broth-like.
- There are some differences in taste, calories, fat content, and cholesterol due to the egg and cream.
- Golden mushroom soup may be harder to find and costs a bit more per can.
So in summary – while you can often substitute one for the other in recipes, golden mushroom soup and regular mushroom soup are two distinct products. Knowing the differences will help you choose the best option for your needs and make the perfect mushroom dish!