Porcini Mushroom Soup

Info

* Course: Hot Appetizer, Main Course
* Total Time: Under 2 Hours
* Skill Level: Easy
* Cost: Moderate
* Favorited: 12 Times


Can be made ahead of time.

This hearty Italian country soup is full of deep, earthy goodness.

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 mins, plus soaking
Cooking Time: 1 hr, plus standing
Ingredients

* 1oz (30g) dried porcini mushrooms
* 11/3 cups boiling water
* 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
* 2 onions, finely chopped
* 2 celery stalks with leaves, finely chopped
* 4oz (115g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
* 2 tsp chopped rosemary
* 1 tsp chopped thyme
* 3 cups vegetable stock
* one 14.5oz (411g) can chopped tomatoes, drained
* salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 4 cups diced day-old crusty bread

Directions

Prepare ahead

The soup can be made through step 3, then cooled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat, then add the bread.

1. Combine the dried porcini and boiling water in a small bowl. Let stand for 30 minutes. Drain through a fine sieve, reserving the soaking liquid. Coarsely chop the soaked mushrooms.

2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the celery and cook 5 minutes more, until the celery is tender. Stir in the mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, and thyme and cook until the mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes more.

3. Add the stock, tomatoes, and the soaked mushrooms and their liquid. Bring to a boil over high heat. Return the heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes.

4. Stir in the bread. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir well so the bread can break up and thicken the soup. Spoon into deep bowls, drizzle each serving with olive oil, and serve hot.

Variation

Fresh Porcini Soup

Replace the dried porcini with 4oz (115g) fresh porcini. Do not soak them; instead, slice and add them to the soup along with the cremini mushrooms. You will need an extra cup of vegetable stock.

Notes

Nutritional Benefits: low fat, low GI

Freezing Information:freeze, without the bread, for up to 3 months Good with bowls of spiced olives, and crusty bread.