Creamy Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. mixed dried mushrooms, such as oysters, porcini, and chanterelles, plus more for garnish, optional – rinsed & cut into bite size pieces
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp. salt, divided
• 16 oz. fresh mushrooms, such as cremini and white button, chopped or sliced (2 cups)
• 1 cup finely chopped shallot
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
• 1 cup sherry (Holland House Cooking Sherry)
• 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 1 cup raw cashews & 1 cup water, blended until smooth

Directions:

1. Place dried mushrooms in medium bowl (after rinsing and cutting). Cover with 2 cups hot water, and let stand 30 minutes.
2. Drain mushrooms, reserving soaking liquid. Bring soaking liquid and broth to a simmer in saucepan over medium heat. Cover, and keep warm.
3. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. oil in saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add rehydrated mushrooms and 1/4 tsp. salt; sauté 2 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender. Transfer mushrooms to plate; set aside.
5. Heat remaining 1 1/2 tsp. oil in same saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add fresh mushrooms, shallot, pepper, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
7. Add garlic, and cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
8. Increase heat to medium-high, and stir in sherry. Simmer 3 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by half.
9. Whisk flour into broth mixture. Stir broth mixture into mushroom mixture, and bring to a boil.
10. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 minutes.
11. Use an immersion blender to purée until smooth or place in the Vitamix and blend.
12. Return soup to pot; stir in creamer and reserved rehydrated mushrooms, reserving a few for garnish, if using.
13. Season with salt and pepper.

Variations & Notes:

This is an adaption of the following recipe: http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/creamy-mushroom-soup/