Best Winter Soup Recipe: Oindrila Bala's Creamy Mushroom & Truffle Bowl

Food influencer Oindrila Bala shares a culinary memory that followed her all the way from the icy landscapes of Iceland to her warm kitchen at home. Between glaciers, harsh winds, and surreal scenery, she discovered a bowl of creamy mushroom soup that stayed with her long after the trip ended. “Warm, earthy, comforting, and soulful,” she recalls, the kind of dish that imprints itself into your senses. This recipe is her way of recreating that same comfort, with a luxurious twist for Indian winters.

Iceland on a Spoon: The Heart Behind the Dish

For Oindrila, food is an emotion. And this mushroom soup captures the essence of Icelandic warmth: simple ingredients elevated with thoughtful technique. The mix of shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms creates layers of earthy depth, while slow cooking brings out a mellow sweetness. This is comfort food at its best, familiar yet indulgent.

The Luxurious Truffle Twist:

The black truffle oil is what transforms this soup from rustic to refined. Just a drizzle adds an aromatic richness that instantly lifts the dish. Oindrila describes it as the moment the soup becomes “restaurant‑worthy without losing its homely soul.” The nutmeg, herbs, and cheese round out the flavours, making every spoonful silky and satisfying.

Ingredients That Build Flavour:

A thoughtful selection of ingredients forms the backbone of this recipe:

A trio of mushrooms for complexity

Slow‑cooked onions and garlic for warmth

A creamy milk‑based purée for the body

A classic roux to bring the soup together

Cheese, herbs, and pepper for aromatic depth

Everything comes together gently, allowing each flavour to shine without overpowering the others.

The Perfect Winter Bowl:

Oindrila's final flourish, black truffle oil, is added off the heat to preserve its aroma. Served steaming hot, this soup is the ideal winter companion: comforting, elegant, and deeply nostalgic. It's her reminder that food can hold memories, and sometimes, a single bowl can bring an entire journey back to life.

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A post shared by Masterchef Oindrila Bala (@oindrilabala)