Making Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup is a breeze if you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms into thin pieces.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they are soft and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir for about a minute to create a roux.
5. Add Broth: Gradually pour in the broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Season: Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and then reduce to a simmer, cooking for 15 minutes.
7. Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender, or let cool slightly and blend in batches using a countertop blender.
8. Stir in Cream: Add the heavy cream to the soup and stir well. Heat for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Taste and Adjust: Check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Following these steps will lead you to a richly flavored Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup that your family and friends will love.