Ingredients

  • 5 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 10 cups beef broth
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 cup dried morel mushrooms* (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 cup dried porcini mushrooms* (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 8 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup medium-dry Sherry
  • *available at specialty foods shops and by mail order from Marche aux Delices,

Method

  • Chop shallots and slice garlic.
  • In a 6-quart kettle bring broth and water to a boil with shallots, garlic, dried mushrooms, and thyme and cook at a bare simmer 1 hour.
  • Line a large sieve with a double thickness of cheesecloth or dampened paper towels and pour liquid through sieve into a large bowl.
  • Press hard on solids and discard.
  • Broth may be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered.
  • Discard shiitake stems and thinly slice caps.
  • In cleaned kettle simmer broth, shiitake caps, parsley, and Sherry, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender, and season with salt and pepper.