DRIED SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS RECIPES

Steps:

• Prepare the mushrooms: In a large Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high. Add leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant, 1 minute. Add fresh mushrooms, carrots, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in grated shiitake powder and flour until mushrooms are evenly coated, about 1 minute. Add broth, 2 cups of water and thyme, and bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes. Uncover and simmer until reduced and slightly thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes longer. Discard thyme sprigs, and stir in cream.
• As the mushrooms simmer, make the dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, black pepper and baking soda until well combined. In a small bowl, whisk egg, milk and butter until well blended, then add to dry mixture and fold just until a dough forms. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Drop 12 equal spoonfuls of the dough into the pot, leaving some space in between. Cover and simmer gently over low heat until dumplings are puffed and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with chives.

Steps:

• Crush the garlic with the back of a big knife, then put it in a saucepan with the ginger, miso, neri goma, mushrooms, stock and soy. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover and bubble for 5 mins until the ginger is soft. Strain into a clean pan and discard everything left in the strainer.
• Meanwhile, cook the tofu. Toss it in the cornflour and heat the oil in a frying pan. Fry for a few mins on each side, being careful as you turn it that it doesn’t fall apart. Cook the noodles for 1 min less than pack instructions, so they retain a little bite. Drain and leave in the pan with a little cooking water so they don’t stick together.
• Add the pak choi and whites of the spring onions to the broth and gently reheat for 1-2 mins until the greens have just wilted.
• Divide the noodles between two deep bowls, ladle over the broth and veg. Top with the tofu, beansprouts, carrot and ginger matchsticks, green parts of the spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil, plus the other toppings, if you like.