Best Mark Bittmans Mushroom Stock Recipes

CHICKEN STOCK

Steps:

• Put everything but the vinegar in a large stockpot. Bring the stock to a boil over high heat, then turn down to a simmer.
• Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Add the vinegar. (It helps draw out nutrients and minerals from the bones into the stock.)
• Simmer the stock for 6 to 8 hours, covered, keeping an eye on it to make sure it stays at a simmer.
• Strain the stock through a fine-meshed sieve. Let cool.
• Scrape the fat that rises to the top. (Save it in the fridge or freezer for matzoh ball soup.) Refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

CREAMY ONE-POT PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Put 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. When hot, add shallot, garlic and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms soften and begin to brown on edges, about 10 minutes. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is glossy and coated with oil, 2 to 3 minutes. Add a little salt and pepper, then wine. Stir and let liquid bubble away.
• Ladle stock into skillet 1/2 cup or so at a time, stirring after each addition and every minute or so. When liquid is just about evaporated, add more. Mixture should be neither soupy nor dry. Keep heat at medium and stir frequently.
• Begin tasting pasta 10 minutes after you add it; you want it to be tender but with a tiny bit of crunch. When pasta is about 3 to 4 minutes away from being done, add chicken and stir to combine. Continue to cook until chicken is done - it will be white on inside when cut - and pasta is how you like it. Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley and Parmesan if using, and serve.

MUSHROOM STOCK

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large stockpot or kettle set over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, dried porcini, thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns and 14 cups of water and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, for 2 hours.
• Pour the stock through a fine-mesh strainer. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Stir in the soy sauce. Use as a base for soups and stews, or add more soy or tamari to taste and serve as a broth.

MUSHROOM SOUP

Steps:

• Soak the dried mushrooms in 5 cups very hot water until soft, anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. When they are tender, remove mushrooms from the soaking liquid with a slotted spoon, reserving the liquid; slice or chop if the pieces are large.
• Meanwhile, put the butter in a large pot that can later be covered over medium heat. When it melts, add the herb, onions and garlic and sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat to medium high, and add the fresh mushrooms; add the soaked mushrooms when they're ready. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until the mushrooms have given off their liquid and begun to brown, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the sherry or Madeira to the pot and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom as the liquor starts to bubble. Add the stock or soaking liquid and bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a steady simmer and cook, covered, until flavors have melded, about 15 minutes.
• Discard the herb. Reduce the heat to low, and purée the liquid with a hand-held mixer to desired consistency. (I like it half-puréed.) Add the cream if you're using it; stir to combine and let simmer for a few minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning; garnish with parsley and serve.

MARK BITTMAN'S HUMMUS

Steps:

• Put the chickpeas, tahini, plus oil if you are using it, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and begin to process; add chickpea cooking liquid or water as needed to allow the machine to produce a smooth puree.
• Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, tahini, garlic or lemon juice as desired.
• Serve drizzled with some olive oil and sprinkled with a little cumin and parsley.