Creamy Mushroom Bisque

1 pound cremini mushrooms, caps thinly sliced and stems removed and reserved

½ ounce dried porcini mushrooms

4 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more as needed

½ cup chopped shallot

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 teaspoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

½ teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves

¼ cup dry sherry (may substitute dry vermouth or unsweetened apple cider)

¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or more as needed

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more as needed

½ cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons chopped chives

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Combine the cremini mushroom stems, the dried porcini and the stock in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Once small bubbles begin to form at the edges of the liquid, cover, reduce the heat medium-low and cook for 30 minutes.

Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a large heatproof pitcher or liquid cup measure, discarding the solids. Let cool undisturbed, during which time some sediment will fall to the bottom.

Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a wide, heavy skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmers, add the sliced creminis in a single layer; it may be necessary to cook the mushrooms in two batches, adding an extra tablespoon of oil. Reduce the heat to medium-high; cook undisturbed for about 8 minutes, until they are nicely browned and release from the pan without sticking. Turn them over; cook on the second side for 6 to 8 minutes until they are just as browned. Transfer to a bowl.

Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the pan, add the shallots and cook, stirring all the time, over medium heat until wilted and translucent, about 4 minutes, then add the butter and garlic; cook for just 30 seconds, then add the tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme and rosemary, cooking for 3 or 4 minutes until the tomato paste is fragrant and slightly darker in color. Return the sliced creminis to the pan and toss to incorporate. Increase the heat to medium-high; pour in the sherry and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the alcohol cooks off. Season with the salt and pepper, then taste; the mixture should taste slightly salty. Remove from the heat; reserve about ½ cup for a garnish. Gradually pour the mushroom-chicken stock into a large saucepan, being careful to leave any sediment behind. Stir in the remaining cremini mixture; bring to barely a boil over medium heat, then remove from the heat and stir in the cream.

If you are blending the soup, remove the center knob in the lid of the blender so steam can escape. Place a paper towel over the opening. Puree in batches, until velvety smooth. Return all the pureed soup to the pan; warm it through over low heat. Stir in the chives and parsley. Taste, and add more salt and/or pepper, as needed. Serve in warmed bowls, garnished with the reserved mushroom mixture.

Serves 8; makes 6 cups

Nutrition | Per serving: 170 calories, 3 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates, 14 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 400 mg sodium, 1 g dietary fiber, 3 g sugar