Cream of mushroom soup is a very popular canned soup made with mushrooms and a creamy base. While it is typically used as an ingredient in various dishes, many people wonder if it can be eaten on its own as a soup. The short answer is yes, cream of mushroom soup can absolutely be eaten on its own and makes for a quick, easy, and comforting meal or snack.
Nutritional Profile
Cream of mushroom soup contains several key nutrients (based on a 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 2% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
As you can see, it provides a decent amount of calories, fat, and carbs to help make it a more filling soup. The vitamins and minerals from the mushrooms also give it some nutritional value.
Taste and Texture
Cream of mushroom soup has a rich, savory, umami flavor from the mushrooms. It is also smooth and creamy in texture from ingredients like milk, cream, or cream cheese. This makes it creamy enough to eat on its own, with a lush mouthfeel and satisfying flavor.
Serving Suggestions
There are lots of ways to serve cream of mushroom soup by itself for a meal:
- Heat it up and eat as is
- Serve with bread or crackers
- Top with croutons, bacon bits, or shredded cheese
- Drizzle with olive oil or truffle oil
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives
You can also adjust the thickness to your liking by adding milk to thin it out or mixing in some cream cheese or sour cream to make it richer and creamier.
Nutritious Add-ins
To make a can of cream of mushroom soup into a heartier, more nutritious meal, consider adding any of the following ingredients:
- Sliced grilled chicken breast
- Sauteed mushrooms, onions, spinach
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice
- Cubed tofu
Adding protein, fiber, and additional vegetables can round it into a satisfying single-serving soup.
Canned vs. Homemade
While canned cream of mushroom soup certainly saves time and convenience, it can also be easy to make it from scratch at home. Some benefits of homemade include:
- Control over ingredients – leave out preservatives, thickeners
- Adjust consistency and flavor to taste
- Use higher quality or fresh mushrooms
- Make it even healthier by using low-fat milk, broth
However, the canned version is quicker if you’re in a time crunch and still provides a comforting, tasty meal.
Conclusion
Cream of mushroom soup absolutely can be eaten as a standalone soup right out of the can. It provides a creamy, savory base that makes a satisfying snack or light meal. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins and garnishes to adjust the flavor and nutrition to your liking. So next time you have a can, go ahead and enjoy it on its own in a bowl for an easy soup option.