- 1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3/4 pound fresh button mushrooms, stems chopped, cap sliced
- 5 large garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons brandy
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 5 cups canned beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- Place shiitakes in large bowl. Pour enough hot water over to cover. Let stand 30 minutes. Drain well. Cut off stems and discard. Thinly slice caps. Set aside.
- Melt butter in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, button mushroom stems and garlic; sauté until onion is golden, about 10 minutes. Add brandy; stir until almost all liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Add flour; stir 2 minutes. Gradually stir in broth; add nutmeg. Cover; simmer until soup is slightly thickened, about 25 minutes.
- Add shiitakes and sliced button mushroom caps to soup and simmer just until button mushroom caps are slightly wilted, about 5 minutes. Add cream and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving.)