Shiitake Portobello Chowder Recipes

CREAM OF WILD MUSHROOM SOUP

Steps:

• Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a dry paper towel. Don't wash them! Separate the stems, trim off any bad parts, and coarsely chop the stems. Slice the mushroom caps 1/4-inch thick and, if they are big, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
• To make the stock, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large pot. Add the chopped mushroom stems, the onion, carrot, the sprig of thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are soft. Add 6 cups water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Strain, reserving the liquid. You should have about 4 1/2 cups of stock. If not, add some water.
• Meanwhile, in another large pot, heat the remaining 1/4 pound of butter and add the leeks. Cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the leeks begin to brown. Add the sliced mushroom caps and cook for 10 minutes, or until they are browned and tender. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the white wine and stir for another minute, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add the mushroom stock, minced thyme leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the half-and-half, cream, and parsley, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and heat through but do not boil. Serve hot.

CHICKEN BREASTS WITH SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet and add the chicken breasts, the mushrooms and the onions. Cook about 5 minutes over medium heat or until lightly browned. Turn the pieces and cook 5 minutes more, shaking the pan and turning the mushrooms and onions so they brown evenly. Remove chicken breasts, and keep them warm. Pour off fat from the pan.
• Add the rosemary and shallots and cook briefly, until wilted. Add the wine and cook, stirring and scraping to dissolve the brown particles that cling to the skillet.
• When the wine is almost reduced by half, blend in the chicken broth. Continue cooking and when the sauce is reduced by half, stir in the butter. Remove pan from stove immediately. Pour sauce over chicken, sprinkle with the parsley and serve.

GLAZED SHIITAKES WITH BOK CHOY

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cut off and discard stem ends of bok choy. Separate leaves, rinse and drain. Drop leaves into boiling water and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until barely cooked. Immediately remove, rinse with cool water, drain and pat dry. Arrange leaves in one layer on an ovenproof earthenware platter, then set aside.
• Put a large wok or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add oil and heat until nearly smoking, then add hot peppers and shiitake caps, stirring to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Reduce heat slightly and add garlic, ginger, sugar, sesame oil and tamari. Stir-fry for 1 minute more.
• Spoon shiitake and pan juices over reserved cooked bok choy. Serve at room temperature, or if you prefer, reheat covered with foil for 10 to 15 minutes in a hot oven. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if using.

SHIITAKE PORTOBELLO CHOWDER

Steps:

• Combein all ingredients except wine, salt, pepper and cheese in slow cooker.
• Cook on high 4-5 hours.
• Stir in wine; season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Top each bowl with cheese.