Hribovica or Dried Mushroom Soup

 Ingredients: 1 pack of dried mushrooms, 3 potatoes, 250 ml of sweet cream, 1 heaping tablespoon of flour, a thicker slice of butter, salt, pepper, 3 bay leaves, vegeta if desired, 1 tablespoon of vinegar

To prepare a delicious mushroom and potato soup, we will start by preparing the mushrooms, which are the main ingredient of this dish. Wash the mushrooms under a stream of cold water, then let them soak in water for about 20 minutes. This step is essential as it helps to remove impurities and rehydrate the dried mushrooms. After soaking, drain them and slice them thinly to easily integrate them into the soup.

In a large pot, add the sliced mushrooms, then fill with enough water to cover all the ingredients. Add your favorite seasonings, such as salt, black pepper, and a few bay leaves, which will provide a deep aromatic flavor. Put the lid on the pot and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the mushrooms simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine perfectly.

Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into equal-sized cubes for even cooking. Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the potatoes to the soup. Check the water level in the pot; if needed, you can add a little extra water to achieve the desired consistency. Let it boil until the potatoes are fully cooked, meaning they are soft but not falling apart.

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add a tablespoon of flour and mix well to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Let the roux cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, then add the cream. Continue stirring, allowing the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens.

When the roux with cream is ready, pour it over the mushroom and potato soup, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Let it boil for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to blend perfectly. If you desire a subtle acidity in the soup, add a tablespoon of vinegar, but make sure to do this only after you have turned off the heat, otherwise the soup will curdle.

Once finished, serve the soup hot, perhaps with a slice of fresh bread on the side. This mushroom and potato soup is not only comforting but also full of flavor, perfect for a family meal. Bon appétit!

 Tags:  potatoes soup unt flour sour cream mushrooms vegetarian recipes