Light Spring Mushroom Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop Recipe)

When the first signs of spring begin to appear, my soup pot naturally starts to feel a little lighter, and I think about making my light spring mushroom soup.  

Ah! The Beginning of Spring

I love it when the pushy crocuses peek through the soil, my perennial mint magically appears, and the forsythia bushes splash cheerful bursts of yellow across neighborhood yards. When I was young, we always had forsythia branches on our Passover Seder table. 

It’s the perfect time to trade heavier winter soups for something a little lighter to prepare for the upcoming spring.

Easy Light Mushroom Spring Soup 

This light spring mushroom soup comes together with a handful of simple vegetables and sometimes if I am in the mood, I add a touch of herbes de Provence. 

I like to toss everything into the Instant Pot and let it do the work. In a short time, you have a beautiful, fragrant vegetable soup that works perfectly with a light lunch or an elegant meal starter. 

South Florida

Although I now spend my winters and spring in South Florida, I do remember the excitement of watching those first signs of spring appear after a long harsh winter.

Weekly Soup 

Soup is a weekly staple in our home, and I usually make a pot that lasts three or four days. While I enjoy soup year-round, certain recipes feel especially right for each season. This easy spring mushroom soup is one of my favorites—simple, rich in flavor, and satisfying. The Instant Pot makes it effortless, but it can easily be prepared on the stovetop as well.

With Easter and Passover just around the corner, this light vegetable soup would make a lovely addition to your holiday table, but try it now and see how you like it first.  I hate trying a new recipe on a holiday.

Ingredients for Light Spring Mushroom Soup

2 cups of diced onions

2 cups of diced carrots 

2 cups of diced zucchini 

3 cups of sliced mushrooms (or 8 ounce container) 

2 cloves sliced fresh garlic

2 bay leaves ( remove before blending and eating)

1 gluten-free bouillon cube ( I use vegetarian chicken flavored)

6 cups of water or to barely cover vegetables

Salt and cracked  to taste

Optional: herbs de Provence to taste 

Directions: 

Add everything to the liner of the Instant Pot. Set timer to pressure cook for 5 minutes. When done, allow to sit for 5 minutes and then release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instruction. When all steam is released, carefully open the lid. Using a slotted spoon carefully remove the bay leaves. Then using an immersion blender, blend to your desire consistency. I don't like to blend too much. I like mine best with pieces of vegetable.

My Notes: 

1. This soup is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan making it allergy friendly and perfect choice to serve to most guests.

2.  If you are gluten-free make sure to use a gluten-free bouillon cube. 

3.  For Passover, make sure to use a kosher for Passover bouillon cube. 

4. I like to add gluten-free crackers to my bowl or gluten-free matzo to my bowl for a little crunch. 

Pink Martini Steals The Show

Are you familiar with the musical group called, Pink Martini? Do you like International music? 

I was introduced to the musical group Pink Martini about four years ago by a good friend. From the very first song, I was totally hooked. Since then, I listen to them frequently—usually while cooking. I'll ask my "Alexa" to play their music- which she magically finds somewhere out in Internet land for me.

The Background of the Group: 

This interesting group first appeared in 1994 in Portland, Oregon founded by the pianist extraordinaire Thomas Lauderdale, who had studied at Harvard University. Not long afterwards, China Forbes, another Harvard student, joined him as the lead vocalist. Together they began writing songs, and their unique sound and style quickly attracted a significant following. 

The singing is backed up by a full "little orchestra" of 10-12 musicians who are experts in their field including a violinist, a trumpet player, Latin percussionist,  trombone player, flute, clarinet, saxophone player etc. 

The Type of Music and Songs

Their music includes many styles—including jazz and lounge music, classical orchestral arrangements, Latin rhythms, international music, and even vintage European cabaret and pop. I find their delightful songs joyful and infectious. In fact, I’ll admit that more than once I’ve found myself dancing around my kitchen while listening and cooking.

Their Concert in Miami on March 5, 2026

After four years of listening to their music at home, I finally had the opportunity to see them live in Miami at the beautiful Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The theater itself is spectacular and the concert was on another level entirely. 

I expected great music, but I wasn’t prepared for just how entertaining the show would be. The performers had the audience totally engaged clapping, singing along, and even dancing in the aisles. It was an enlivening experience.

Lead Singer Storm Large

Although several members of the band interacted with he audience during the performance, much of the show was led by the unforgettable lead vocalist Storm Large who is currently touring with Pink Martini while China Forbes is on a two-year break to spend time with her son. 

Storm Large is an incredible performer—she has a beautiful voice, a commanding stage presence, and a charisma that instantly connects with the audience. Although three other singers each performed solo numbers, Storm sang the majority of the songs and had a remarkable ability to mesmerize the crowd. 

It was an unforgettable evening, and I would happily book tickets to see them again in a minute.

Some Statistics: 

The group has sold more than three million albums worldwide, performed on six continents, and has been inducted into both the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. They also regularly collaborate with orchestras and musicians from around the world.

At The Pink Martini Concert 

If you get a chance, you can  follow this link to hear some of their music on Youtube or better yet if you notice they are performing in your area, they are worth seeing if you like this kind of music.  

What a group and what a show!!!

Are you familiar with them? Do you like them? 

Disclaimer: I am not trying to  promote this group and I am not paid in any way to write this post . I just like the group and wanted to share my experience after attending their live concert.

Chocolate Chia/Flax Pudding- A Heart Healthy Dessert

Do you love a rich chocolatey pudding? 

What if I told you this pudding recipe is not only rich, creamy and indulgent, but actually nourishing too? 

In MY Kitchen March 2026

Yay! It's March first and I invite you to take a peek into what's been happening in my kitchen this past month. I'm sharing on Sherri's monthly In My Kitchen Share. 

Last Friday night I hosted a Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner.  I invited four couples to share the evening dinner with us.