Condensed cream of chicken/mushroom soup alternatives? (m)

[DKinTX]

My husband likes gloppy (lol!) food like casseroles that contain cream of something soups, but I always cringe when I have to break out a can. I'm not a food purist (whatever that is), but I try to cook from scratch and use healthy ingredients. I do buy the low sodium versions, but I'm wondering if I could make something homemade. I've seen cream of mushroom soup recipes on the web, but they're not condensed. Most recipes I use the soup in calls for condensed. Suggestions? Thanks!

[sdWTMer]

but don't make them for that very reason! ick. I will be watching this thread!

[Julie in CA]

Usually you can substitute a white sauce with whatever flavoring you're looking for. For mushroom, I'd saute some mushrooms in a bit of butter, add flour and keep stirring to brown the flour, and then add liquid (usually milk). Keep stirring and cooking until thick, and add seasonings as desired. For chicken, you'd add a little concentrated chicken base/bouillon. I don't really like cooking with processed ingredients either, but the "cream of..." soups are the exception for me. I still *love* anything with cream of mushroom soup in the gravy.

[Lady_Dulcinea]

Yes there is a homemade sub! I think this is the ones I tried. This is a base so if you want mushroom or chicken or celery or whatever, just add it when you need it. If you want a beef base just use 1/4 c beef bullion instead of the chicken. I think it makes mix enough for 9 cans of soup. I found this at http://www.recipezaar.com/25653

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, more to taste



1. Using an air tight container combine dry milk, cornstarch, onion flakes, pepper and chicken bouillon.
2. If desired also add basil and thyme.
3. Mix well.
4. When using the mix combine 1/3 cup of the mix with 1 1/4 cups of water in saucepan.
5. Cook and stir until thickened.

[Needleroozer]

I like the Imagine foods brand of Creamy Potato Leek soup (http://www.imaginefoods.com/products/product/1605.php). It comes in two sizes of boxes. I started using it due to dairy allergies, but I keep using it because of the flavour it adds! If I want shrooms in my casserole, I will saute them and add them.
HTH,
http://easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-happy-smileys-195.gif (http://easyfreesmileys.com/)

[Diann]

I have used this recipe as a substitute. The taste is slightly different, but not much.

Cream Soup Substitute
2 cups instant nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup wyler's very low-sodium instant vegetable bouillon granules or wyler's very low-sodium instant chicken bouillon granules or low-sodium beef bouillon powder
5 tablespoons dried onion flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl and store in an air-tight container.
To substitute one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream soup, use 1/3 cup mix plus 1 1/4 cups water.
Combine in a medium saucepan and cook until thick.

Add sauteed chopped mushrooms, chopped celery, or bits of cooked chicken to resemble the creamed soup you usually use.

HTH,
Diann

[GreenKitty]

I know that there is a 'base' you can make for cream soups. Something like butter, flour, milk and veg/chick broth.

Mushroom Soup:
8oz Mushrooms -chopped, diced or sliced
1/4 C Onions -chopped
1 Clove garlic -minced
2 T Butter
2 C Vegetable or Chicken broth
3 T Flour
1/4 t Nutmeg
1 C evaporated milk or light cream

Saute -butter, onions, mushrooms, garlic. Add in 2 T flour and broth, stir and heat until thickened. Add in additional flour, cream. Add all together. Salt/pepper to taste.



I like homemade soups...mmmmm.....my fav is homemade tomato. :)

[Colleen]

If you want a sorta happy medium, you can get Amy's brand semi-condensed soup.

[Crissy]

Usually you can substitute a white sauce with whatever flavoring you're looking for.

This is the way I do it. My husband LOVES a casserole, but I don't use many canned products.

[mcconnellboys]

No help on specific recipes, but I always opt for the Golden Mushroom in place of the regular. It just seems so much richer and tastier in everything.....

And I adore the Mushroom soup available from Trader Joe's....

Regena

[DKinTX]

Thanks for all the tips, ladies! Very helpful!