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.