Shiitake Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients

 * 8 small to medium dried shiitake mushrooms, rinsed well
 * 2¼ cups boiling water
 * 2 cups mushroom soaking liquid
 * 2½ tbsp soy sauce
 * 2 tsp olive oil
 * 1 small onion, thinly sliced
 * ½ tsp sugar
 * ½ tsp dried thyme
 * 2 cups thickly sliced button mushrooms (6½ oz)
 * 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
 * ¼ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

 * 1) Place shiitake mushrooms in medium bowl, and add boiling water.
 * 2) Cover with small plate.
 * 3) Set aside 30 minutes.
 * 4) Drain mushrooms, reserving soaking liquid.
 * 5) Remove and discard stems from shiitake mushrooms.
 * 6) Slice mushrooms into strips, and set aside.
 * 7) Place mushroom soaking liquid into measuring cup, adding water if necessary, to make 2 cups.
 * 8) Add soy sauce to mushroom liquid.
 * 9) Set aside until ready to use.
 * 10) In medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
 * 11) Add onion, and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 9 minutes.
 * 12) Add sugar, thyme, button mushrooms and reserved shiitakes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until button mushrooms are tender, about 4 minutes.
 * 13) Add flour, and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes.
 * 14) Whisk in reserved mushroom liquid, and cook, stirring continuously, until thickened, 5 minutes.
 * 15) Stir in parsley, and add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
 * 16) Serve hot.