Serves 2
35 min
Creamy Israeli Couscous with Porcini and Shiitake Mushrooms
Recipe GLPRa620bc380c12ba
A comforting, earthy dish featuring pearl-like Israeli couscous combined with tender shiitake mushrooms and an umami-rich porcini broth, finished with cream for a luxurious, velvety texture.
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Ingredients
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 1/4 cups dried porcini mushrooms (or mixed dried wild mushrooms)
1 cup Israeli couscous
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 onion, diced
1 bouillon cube (or 1 tsp vegetable bouillon paste)
1/3 cup heavy cream
olive oil, as needed
butter, as needed
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 to 1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, wiped clean and ends trimmed
Directions
Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a heat-safe bowl and pour the 1 1/2 cups hot water over them. Let soak for 10 minutes until softened, then finely chop the rehydrated porcini. Strain the soaking liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a separate container, reserving the flavorful broth.
While the porcini soak, prepare the fresh shiitake mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth and trimming the stem ends. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Once the butter melts and foams, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Stir in the Israeli couscous and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast it.
Pour in the reserved porcini soaking liquid and add the bouillon cube, stirring well to dissolve. Stir in the chopped porcini mushrooms.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the couscous is tender and the liquid is nearly absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in the cream until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
