Mushroom Ragout over Creamy Polenta

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz. dried mixed mushrooms or porcini
• 3 Tbsp. butter (divided)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 shallots (minced)
• Kosher salt
• 2 lb. mixed fresh mushrooms (shitake, portabello, button, cremini, oyster, etc., coarsely chopped)
• 1/2 cup dry vermouth
• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mixed herbs (parsley, tarragon, basil)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/8 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup mascarpone
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (the one I use had a dusting of spices)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a small bowl with 1 1/2 cups, of warm water soak the dried mushrooms for 10 min. Remove the mushrooms reserving the liquid and coarsely chop. Pour the liquid through a small sieve reserving one cup. Set both aside.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, in a large pot add 1 Tbsp of butter and olive oil and heat over medium heat, when the butter is melted add the shallots and saute until tender, about 4 min.

3. 3

   Add the fresh mushrooms and 1 tsp. salt. Cook until they start to soften, 6 min. Add the dried mushrooms and continue cooking for about 4 minutes more or until the mushrooms have released their liquid and are very tender.

4. 4

   Add the vermouth and cook until it is evaporated for about 2 min. more. Add the reserved mushroom water from the dried mushrooms and reduce to 1/3 cup. Stir in the heavy cream and 3 Tbsp. of the herbs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

5. 5

   In a medium pot bring 4 1/2 cups of water to a boil and add cornmeal, 1 tsp. salt and stir. Cover and cook for 5 min. stirring occasionally. Whisk if needed to make it smooth. Whisk in the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter and the mascarpone. Add the parmesan and stir with a spoon.

6. 6

   Serve the polenta with the mushrooms on top, sprinkled with the remaining herbs and the goat cheese.