Mixed mushroom soup with wild rice and madeira

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
cupWarm water
1ounceDried shiitake mushrooms
1poundsMushrooms
4tablespoonsButter
cupShallots, coarsely chopped
1smallCarrot, diced
1largeCelery stalk, diced
¼poundsPotatoes peeled and diced
¾teaspoonDried thyme
The Versatile Grain
and the
Elegant Bean
by Sheryl and Mel London
ISBN 0-671-76106-4
pg 263
½teaspoonDried marjoram
2cupsCooked wild rice
4cupsChicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1tablespoonTomato paste
1cupLight cream
Few drops Tabasco sauce
3tablespoonsMadeira wine
Snipped chives (opt)

Directions

In a small bowl, pour the warm water over the dried mushrooms, weighting them down so that the mushrooms are completely submerged; soak for 30 minutes. cut off and discard the tough stems. Squeeze excess liquid from the mushrooms back into the soaking liquid, then strain the liquid through a dampened coffee filter to get rid of any fine grit. Slice the mushrooms and set them aside along with the liquid.

Wipe the cultivated mushrooms with dampened paper towels, t rim off the stems and slice the mushrooms thickly. Set aside.

In a 7-qt. Dutch oven, melt the butter and saut‚ the shallots over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add both kinds of mushrooms and saut‚, stirring, for about 5 minutes. Add the cooked rice along with the reserved mushroom liquid and the chicken stock.

Bring to a boil, lower the heat, season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the tomato paste. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Pur‚e in batches in a blender or food processor; the soup should not be too smooth. Return soup to the same pot, stir in the cream and reheat on low heat. Stir in the Tabasco sauce and the wine; adjust seasoning. SErve hot, topped with a few snipped chives, if desired.

Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 10-17-95