Mary Berry Game Soup Recipe

This Mary Berry Game Soup is a rich and hearty recipe, which is made with smoked streaky bacon and chestnut mushrooms. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.

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Mary Berry Game Soup Ingredients

• 30 g (1 oz) butter
• 125 g (4 oz) smoked streaky bacon rashers, rinds removed, diced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 125 g (4 oz) chestnut mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 1.25 litres (2 pints) game stock
• salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp redcurrant jelly

Orange-herb bouquet

• 6 parsley stalks
• pared zest of 1 orange
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 large thyme or marjoram sprig

How To Make Mary Berry Game Soup

1. Prepare the bouquet garni: Gather the parsley stalks, orange zest, bay leaf, and thyme or marjoram sprig and tie them together with kitchen string to create an “orange-herb bouquet”. Set aside.
2. Cook the bacon: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until it becomes crisp.
3. Sauté the onion: Lower the heat, add the sliced onion to the pan, and cook gently for a few minutes until softened but not browned, stirring from time to time.
4. Build the soup base: Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the game stock.
5. Simmer the soup: Add the orange-herb bouquet to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Finish and serve: Remove and discard the bouquet garni. Stir in the redcurrant jelly until it dissolves completely. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.

Recipe Tips

• What kind of game stock is best? A homemade stock from pheasant, venison, or other game will provide the richest flavor. However, a high-quality store-bought game, beef, or even chicken stock is a perfectly good substitute.
• What if I don’t have redcurrant jelly? The jelly adds a subtle sweet and tart flavor that balances the richness of the game. You can substitute it with an equal amount of cranberry sauce or a teaspoon of raspberry jam in a pinch.
• How to get a smoother consistency: If you prefer a less rustic soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend it after removing the bouquet garni. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• Can I use different mushrooms? Absolutely. While chestnut mushrooms add a lovely earthy flavor, you can easily substitute them with cremini, button, or a mix of wild mushrooms for more complexity.

What To Serve With Game Soup

This hearty soup is a meal in itself but is best served with something to soak up the delicious broth.

• Crusty bread or a warm baguette
• Fluffy dinner rolls
• A simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette dressing

How To Store Game Soup

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: This soup freezes well. Let it cool, then pour it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this is an excellent recipe to make in advance. The flavors will actually meld and deepen overnight. Simply reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
• What is an orange-herb bouquet? It’s another name for a “bouquet garni,” which is a bundle of herbs tied together. The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma that complements the rich game flavors.
• Can I make this recipe without bacon? You can, but the smoked bacon adds a significant amount of flavor. If you omit it, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with the flour to replicate some of that smoky depth.

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry Watercress Soup Recipe
• Mary Berry Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup Recipe
• Mary Berry Creamy Carrot and Orange Soup Recipe
• Mary Berry’s Butternut Squash Soup Recipe