Cream of Mushroom Soup
Most people, when they think of mushroom soup, have a vision of a
red can in their minds. While there may be a time and place for red
cans filled with condensed cream of mushroom soup, the homemade
variety is vastly superior. Take some care with the ingredients.
Make certain that they're fresh, and of good quality. Then serve
this soup with bottles of balsamic cream and truffle oil on
the
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces dried Morels
7 cups chicken stock
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
10 ounces Trumpet Royale mushrooms, chopped
2 leeks, white part only, sliced thin
2 medium shallots, sliced thin
7 tablespoons flour
3 fresh parsley sprigs
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Madeira
1 teaspoon Sea salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Preparation:
Place the dried morels in a large bowl. Bring the seven cups of
chicken broth to a boil and pour over the morels. Set aside to
rehydrate for about 20 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the mushrooms, reserving the broth.
Coarsely chop the morels.
Heat the butter in a large pot over medium to medium high heat. Add
the trumpet royale mushrooms and rehydrated mushrooms and cook, stirring
from time to time, until the mushrooms are soft and somewhat dry.
This should require about six minutes.
Add the leek and the shallot and continue cooking, covered, stirring from time to time.
When the shallot becomes translucent (about four minutes), add the flour, blending and stirring constantly, and cook for about two minutes
more.
Add the reserved mushroom broth, taking care to remove any grit or
dirt that may have settled to the bottom. Bring to a boil while
whisking constantly.
Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf together with a piece of string and add to the soup in a bundle. Lower the heat and simmer for about ten minutes.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Remove the herb bundle.
In batches, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Use a sieve to strain the mushroom puree. Return the puree to the pot and reheat over medium heat.
Whisk the heavy cream and Madeira into the soup. Season with salt
and pepper to taste. Serve in preheated soup bowls.
Directions:
Most people, when they think of mushroom soup, have a vision of a
red can in their minds. While there may be a time and place for red
cans filled with condensed cream of mushroom soup, the homemade
variety is vastly superior. Take some care with the ingredients.
Make certain that they're fresh, and of good quality. Then serve
this soup with bottles of balsamic cream and truffle oil on
the table. Don't forget greens, fresh fruit, a cheese board, and
some crusty bread.
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