Mushroom stock

7 cups

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1Yellow onion thinly sliced
1Leek top washed and chopped
4Garlic clove(s) in skins, crushed
1ounceDried shiitake mushrooms
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonBlack peppercorns
½poundsMushrooms, sliced
2smallsCarrots, sliced
6Sprigs parsley, chopped
3Sprigs thyme
2Sprigs marjoram or oregano
3Sage leaves
2Bay leaves
9cupsCold water

Directions

In a stockpot, combine onion, leek top, garlic and salt with just enough water to start the vegetables cooking, about cup. Stir the vegetables, cover the pot, and cook gently over medium heat until the vegetables are wilted and tender, about 15 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients (including the tomatoes if you're using them), bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Pour the stock through a strainer, pressing as much liquid as possible from the vegetables before discarding them.

Note: for a lighter-tasting stock with a more complex flavor, add 1 lbs coarsely chopped tomatoes or one 28-oz can tomatoes.

Fine Cooking April-May 1995

Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 04-22-95