Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup

So my inspiration for this came when my flat mate was tucking into a tesco finest creamy mushroom soup. I was so jealous but determined to make a dairy free alternative - and it really worked! This soup tastes amazingly creamy and there's nothing to feel guilty about. 

Serves 3-4:

Punnet of chestnut mushrooms

5-6 shallots 

Dried shit take mushrooms (optional) 

Garlic (fresh or paste)

Vegetable stock cubes 

Can of coconut milk

Prep:

Slice mushrooms thickly 

Finely chop shallots 

If using dried shit take mushrooms place in booking water to hydrate them until they're soft.

(If not not to worry I just had them in my cupboard and wanted to put them to good use and they added a really nice texture) 

In an oil of your choice fry the shallots with garlic- when softened add the mushrooms. 

When the mushrooms have cooked scoop out a couple of table spoons and keep to one side to keep some texture to your soup. 

Add your vegetable stock to a pint of boiling water and add to the shallots and remaining mushrooms. 

If you're using shit take mushrooms - keep a few to one side with your other reserved mushrooms but add the rest to the pan in the water you hydrated them in because there's sooo much flavour in this water. 

Now add your coconut milk I only used half a can and it was creamy enough but add more if you wish. 

Now once it's all heated through blend with a hand blender to a chunky consistency. Once blended add your mushrooms you kept to one side. Season with salt and pepper to taste. And there you have it you're creamy mushroom soup in less than 20 mins!