Recipe: French brie soup with mushrooms & non-alcoholic brandy cream

Paul and Lisette | January 2024 | 5 minutes

Try cooking something different this week with the second of four brilliant recipes gathered from the travels of our Community Champion, Paul, and his business partner Lisette.

Paul and Lisette have put their heads together and thought of some innovative, alcohol-free takes on recipes you might have thought traditionally needed alcohol as part of the recipe. Why not give this delicious French brie soup with mushrooms & non-alcoholic brandy cream a try and see what you think?

Ingredients

1 onion finely sliced
1 tsp minced garlic
500g chestnut mushrooms, finely sliced, reserve some for garnish
100g brie, rind removed
500ml of chicken or vegetable stock
Good knob of butter
200ml double cream, more if you wish
Pinch of white pepper
100ml alcohol-free brandy (available from many online sellers)

Method

  1. Melt the butter in a heated frying pan.
  2. Add the onion, garlic and mushrooms, then sauté until onion is translucent.
  3. Add the brie and continue to cook, stirring often, until the brie melts. It may take a little longer than other cheeses but be patient.
  4. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. If you find that the soup is still runny, add some cornflour with a mix of water.
  5. Add the cream and brandy substitute, white pepper and simmer.
  6. Serve in a warm bowl with a scattering of mushrooms and a hunk of crusty bread.

Enjoy!