Low Carb Creamy & Savory Mushroom Soup

This is a deliciously creamy & savory
soup ~ a new family favorite!

Ingredients:
1 ounce dried Black Forest Shiitake mushrooms (or, dried mushroom of choice)
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 pound brown mushrooms
1 2/3 cup chopped yellow or sweet onion
2 - 3 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
4 tablespoons (half stick) butter
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
4 cups broth (vegetable, chicken or beef)
2 tablespoons Aloha low sodium soy sauce or Bragg liquid aminos
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
sour cream (optional)

Method:
Quickly rinse the dried mushrooms and place into a a glass or ceramic bowl. (not plastic) Cover with the boiling water and allow to soak and soften for 15 minutes.
Rinse the fresh mushrooms. Trim the tips of the stems and slice the mushrooms. Set aside.
Melt the butter in a Dutch oven, or large pot, over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and sliced fresh mushrooms. Sprinkle the paprika, salt, pepper and xanthan gum over the vegetables in the pot. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Use a fine mesh strainer to drain the liquid from the dried mushrooms into a measuring cup or bowl. Set aside the reserved liquid and chop the mushrooms.
Add the broth and reserved mushroom liquid to the pot, using a wooden spoon to loosen any bits that may remain on the bottom of the pot. Stir in the chopped mushrooms, soy sauce, thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to the low setting and simmer uncovered, for 30 - 45 minutes, until the soup is slightly thickened.
Remove and discard the bay leaves. Carefully transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender container. Puree until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the remainder in the pot.
Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Ladle into bowls and if desired, garnish with a tablespoon of sour cream. Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional info per serving (with garnish), approximately:
240 calories ~ 18.67 grams fat ~ 13.73 grams net carbs ~ 4.8 grams protein

Notes: If you mention "Cream of Mushroom Soup", most people envision a thick goop that comes out of a can. This soup is MUCH superior to that canned version. The flavor & texture is so savory and delicious, that it immediately became a new family favorite!