DRIED SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Measure the mushrooms: Most recipes call for dried mushrooms to be measured in weight. Weigh the mushrooms, then place them in a bowl.
• Cover the mushrooms with water: Cover generously with water and gently push on the mushrooms to submerge them into the water.
• Soak your mushrooms: Soaking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the mushrooms. Most thinly sliced mushrooms will be rehydrated in 20 to 30 minutes. Thicker and whole cap mushrooms may take a little longer — you can rush this a bit by soaking them in hot water. Mushrooms are ready to use when they have softened all the way through.
• Remove the mushrooms from the liquid: When the mushrooms are soft, lift them from the water using your fingers or a spoon, squeezing them lightly to remove as much water as possible.
• Rinse the mushrooms: Taste a mushroom. If you detect any grittiness, you'll need to rinse them. Place the mushrooms in a strainer and run them under the faucet for several seconds, tossing them and making sure all the grit is gone. Your mushrooms are now ready for your recipe.
• Strain the soaking liquid: Place the strainer over the second bowl and line with a coffee filter or paper towel. Pour the soaking liquid into the strainer and allow it to drain through. Discard the filter. Use the soaking liquid in your recipe or store in the refrigerator in a covered container for about one week (or freeze for up to 3 months).

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.