Ingredients

  • 1 (2 ounce) packagemixed dried wild mushrooms
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups sliced white button mushrooms
  • 5 portabella mushrooms, stems removed, rinsed, cut in half, then sliced crosswise
  • 4 cups sliced baby portabella mushrooms
  • 2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms, rinsed and dried, stems removed
  • 3 shallots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 6 celery ribs, peeled and chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • sea salt, to taste
  • ground pepper, to taste
  • 5 cups leftover mashed potatoes (made with butter and milk)
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese or 2 cups monterey jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Method

  • Preheat oven to 300F.
  • In a small pot, heat about 3 cups of water to a boil.
  • Add dried mushrooms and remove from heat.
  • Let sit for 30 minutes to rehydrate.
  • Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add all fresh mushrooms and cook for about 20 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  • Add shallot, carrots and celery and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
  • Strain the dried mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid, and add the mushrooms to the pot.
  • Strain the soaking liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any grit.
  • Add strained liquid to the mushroom mixture.
  • Stir in bay leaves, tomatoes and one cup of water.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Continue cooking over low heat until carrots are soft, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • The mushroom mix can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated.
  • Spread the mushroom mix in the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish.
  • Cover with the mashed potatoes and sprinkle with the cheddar cheese and then the Parmesan.
  • Bake until cheese is melted and pie is heated through, about 45 minutes.
  • Serve immediately.