You Asked For It: Portobello Mushroom Bisque

I'd like a portobello mushroom bisque recipe. Thank you.

Kit Bie, Indian Rocks Beach

This portobello mushroom bisque recipe from Leslie Dowdy of Tampa is perfect for any night of the week. The preparation is quick and the cook time is not long. It's creamy and flavorful. The house smelled wonderful as this simmered on the stove. If you're not familiar with leeks they look like an extremely oversized green onion. They are in the onion and garlic family. If you've never worked with leeks before, it's very easy. You need to cut off the darker green top and root end. Then split it in half lengthwise and gently ruffle the leaves under running water to remove the dirt. You will be surprised just how much dirt there is between the leaves. It's easier to do this before slicing them. Sprinkle the parsley on top before serving.

Recipe request

Palm Harbor resident David W. Boyd remembers his mother making a Kentucky jam cake. He remembers a three-layer cake that had walnuts and a jar of blackberry jam with caramel frosting that was unique because it solidified into a caramel fudge. Family members have tried to re-create it with no success. David hopes a reader is familiar with this recipe.

Recipes tested by Times correspondent Ellen Folkman unless otherwise noted. Send requests to You Asked For It, P.O. Box 1159, Crystal Beach, FL 34681 or email youaskedforit@tampabay.rr.com. Include your name, city and phone number.

>>Easy

Portobello Mushroom Bisque

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 large onion, chopped

3 large portobello mushrooms, dark gills scraped out, mushrooms chopped

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme leaves

1 bay leaf

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon pepper

1 cup heavy cream

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Saute the leeks and onions in butter in a large pot over medium heat, stirring constantly, until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Lower heat, add the mushrooms and cook about 10 minutes longer, covered, stirring occasionally.

Raise heat to medium, stir in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the thyme, bay leaf, broth, salt, sugar and pepper. Simmer partly covered for about 10 minutes.

Cool the soup slightly; discard the bay leaf and puree the soup in batches in a blender or food processor. Return the pureed soup to the pan and add the cream.

Cook over low heat until just heated through, but do not boil.

Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Serve garnished with parsley.

Makes 8 servings.

Source: Leslie Dowdy of Tampa

You Asked For It: Portobello Mushroom Bisque 05/08/12 [Last modified: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 4:30am]

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