Mushroom Bolognese

Ingredients

 * ½ oz dried shiitake mushrooms
 * ½ lbs button mushrooms
 * 1 tbsp olive oil
 * 1 med shallot, chopped fine
 * 1 med garlic clove, chopped fine
 * 1 can (16 ounce) salt-free whole tomatoes
 * 1 tbsp double-concentrate tomato paste
 * 2 tsp sugar
 * ½ tsp dried oregano
 * ½ tsp dried basil
 * cooked pasta of your choice

Directions

 * 1) Put the shiitake mushrooms in a small bowl and add enough warm water to cover.
 * 2) Let them soak for about 15 minutes, until soft.
 * 3) Put the shiitakes and the button mushrooms in a food processor that has been fitted with the metal blade.
 * 4) Process until finely chopped.
 * 5) In a large skillet, heat the olive oil ver moderate heat.
 * 6) Add the shallot and garlic and saute until tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
 * 7) Add the chopped mushrooms and saute, stirring frequently, until all the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated and they have just begun to brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
 * 8) Add the tomatoes, breaking them up with your hands.
 * 9) Stir in the tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and basil.
 * 10) Simmer until the sauce is thick but still slightly liquid, 10 to 15 minutes.
 * 11) Pour over cooked pasta.